(Mission, TX) Costco Wholesale Corporation, the world's premier membership warehouse for business and personal shoppers, is creating change in our community by partnering with the National Butterfly Center to compost spoiled fruits and vegetables.

Although CostCo typically disposes of foods in this condition differently, the organization has agreed to donate plant products that are rotting or out-of-date, and unsuitable for human consumption, to the National Butterfly Center in Mission, Texas. This flagship project of the North American Butterfly Association is cultivating 100 acres of gardens and wildscape along the Rio Grande River, as preserve habitat for butterflies, birds, and other species.

Composting of the spoilage donated by Costco is being overseen by the Center's biologist Chris Watenpool, and grounds manager Max Munoz, with assistance from staff and volunteers.

"Composting organic materials, such as fruits and vegetables, has many useful effects and long-term benefits," explains Watenpool. "All the bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms that occur in decomposition are useful in promoting root activity and plant growth. They also feed earthworms and enhance filtration by binding with heavy metals and other pollutants, including pesticides, for easier absorption. In fact, compost is so nutrient-rich that it even acts as a mild herbicide, suppressing plant diseases and controlling weeds."

In the gardens, compost will be tilled into the soil to reduce erosion and improve moisture retention. "The compost we're making here helps us re-establish native plant species and improves drought resistance, by breaking up clay and binding sand," states Munoz. "It's a good, all-purpose soil amendment, regardless of soil type or quality.

"At the National Butterfly Center, this is our only fertilizer," Continues Munoz, "But for those using a fertilizer program of some sort, compost is a real booster! Not only is it all natural, it's pretty easy and inexpensive to make. Fermenting fruits, such as berries, bananas and mangos, make great 'butterfly brew', too, which we use to feed the birds and butterflies passing through."

"The over-ripe oranges and other spoilage provide an excellent source of nectar for our winged wonders," states Marianna Trevino Wright, executive director, "Not only does the fruit feed birds and butterflies, the fragrance of it attracts them. That's why visitors may see more than 100 species in a day, here, during peak seasons! We really couldn't be more excited about Costco's decision to support our mission in this way. It's obvious they appreciate the rich biodiversity of South Texas, and want to contribute to our quality of life."

Aaron Smith, receiving manager at the Pharr Costco, championed the National Butterfly Center's request all the way to the top! "Our culture is all about making people's lives better—and good stewardship is at the core of this. We support a number of nonprofits in every community we serve, and couldn't resist the opportunity to help the National Butterfly Center in this way. We're reducing waste and recycling products, while they reuse and repurpose the spoiled fruits and vegetables to make the Rio Grande Valley a more remarkable place. Instead of going into the garbage, it'a all going into the gardens. It's a win for everyone—and every thing!"

The National Butterfly Center is committed to 'Growing Connections' between people, plants, and the winged wonders that pollinate and propagate all that grows around us. The Center is committed to environmental conservation, research and the propogation of native plant species that support and sustain indigenous and migratory "winged wonders"; it also contains a commercial nursery, which produces plants for use at the Center and for sale to the general public. The Center is open to the public, for visitors and members, seven days/week.

To learn more about the National Butterfly Center, and how you can join us, please visit www.nationalbutterflycenter.org, or call 956.583.5400. Your annual membership or charitable gift impacts the beauty of our community and helps preserve the biologically diverse, natural treasures of deep South Texas.

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