ICAW 2026 Theme Announced & Poster and Bookmark Contests Now Open

The Compost Research & Education Foundation (CREF) is excited to announce the official theme for International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) 2026:

“Compost! Feed the Soil that Feeds Us”

Selected in collaboration with the International Compost Alliance, the theme ties into the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land. It highlights the vital role compost plays in building healthy soils, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining life on Earth.

With the new theme in place, CREF is kicking off two annual contests, the ICAW Poster Contest and Bookmark Contest, inviting creativity from across the globe. Winners’ designs will be featured during ICAW, taking place May 3–9, 2026.

Poster Contest Overview

• Open to anyone worldwide, age 14 and older.
• Original designs must incorporate the 2026 theme.
• Deadline: November 14, 2025.

Bookmark Contest Overview

• Open to students in grades 3–8 (ages 9–13).
• Bookmarks must be designed at 3” x 8” size.
• Deadline: November 14, 2025.

Please note: AI-generated designs will not be accepted.

Why It Matters

ICAW is the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the compost industry, celebrated in countries around the world. By entering the Poster and Bookmark Contests, participants help spread the message of compost’s role in soil health, climate resilience, and sustainable living.

As we launch the contests and share the new theme, we are officially on the road to celebrating ICAW 2026. Get ready to join us in making composting mainstream, one design, one message, and one community at a time.

For more information, contest rules and to submit your entry visit the ICAW Home Page