We love compost, with all its power to create a useful new product from waste, keep our trash cans from smelling, and prevent harmful greenhouse gas emissions caused by landfilling food scraps.  We love eating too, and all the benefits that come from using what we have, so this month we bring you some tips for making the most of summer produce and more! Waste Not, Before You Rot   Can climate change action take place in your kitchen?  Here's some food for thought: an estimated 13% of carbon pollution emissions in the U.S. are related to the growing, manufacturing, transporting, and disposal of food.  40% of food produced in the U.S. each year is wasted, with nearly 85% of this waste resulting from consumer-facing businesses and at home, according to ReFed.  Taking steps to reduce food waste can result in some creative new recipes and save money too--the average American family throws out around a quarter of their food purchases, amounting to about $1,600 each year! Before sending food to the compost pile, learn how to store produce, check the shelf life for fruits and veggies, use up or preservesummer's bounty, and learn to cook creatively to reduce food waste.   NYC Reduce, Reuse and Repair Grants   Apply for a grant of up to $2,000 to support the reuse, repair, and refurbishing of discarded products throughout the five boroughs!  Deadline: September 16.  Learn more.  Upcoming Events Stop 'N' Swap® Community Reuse Events   Bring clean, reusable, portable items such as clothing, housewares, games, books, and toys that you no longer need, and take home something new-to-you, free! You don't have to bring something to take something. No furniture or large items, please. Learn more.   Saturday, August 3 - Prospect Lefferts Gardens 12pm-3pm, BKLYN Commons - PLG Rooftop (map) 495 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn Outdoor event, check website for weather-related changes     Sunday, August 11 - Stapleton 12pm-3pm, Staten Island MakerSpace Park (map) Front & Thompson Sts, Staten Island Outdoor event, check website for weather-related changes    Saturday, August 17 - University Heights 11am-2pm, St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church (map) 2345 University Ave, entrance on W. Fordham Rd, Bronx Clothing Swap - East New York Saturday, August 10, 10am-1pm East New York Farmers Market (map) Schenck Ave b/t New Lots & Livonia Ave, Brooklyn Outdoor event, check website for weather-related updates    Bring clean, reusable clothes to share and find an outfit that's new-to-you! You don't have to bring something to take something. Clothing, shoes, belts, hats, and accessories only. GrowNYC's zero waste programs funded by the NYC Department of Sanitation aim to improve the City's recycling rate by educating residents about recycling and waste prevention, and working with landlords to make sure building recycling programs are adequate. Our free services include apartment building recycling audits, trainings for tenants and supers, community events centered on education and special collection programs for clothing and food scraps. For more information visit www.grownyc.org or call 212-788-7964. Support GrowNYC Zero Waste Programs is a program of GrowNYC, a 501(c)3 environmental nonprofit organization. Donate Todayto support Zero Waste Programs, neighborhood Greenmarkets, food access programs, community gardens, recycling and environmental education for youth.