[1][2] The purpose of the IYS was to raise awareness worldwide of the importance of soils for food security,[3] agriculture,[4] as well as in mitigation of climate change, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development.
"[10] Members of the public are urged to commemorate the day with efforts to reduce food waste, eat a diverse diet, compost, read labels on lawn and garden products, and perform soil tests.
[18] The FAO website summarized what individuals could take home from the year as: "On a closing note, just the other day a member of the IYS Steering Comittee [sic] told members that he recently found out that soils contain a bacterium called Mycobacterium vaccae, also known as the Golden Bacillus.
Apparently, scientists have found that, when ingested or inhaled, this substance reduces anxiety and increases levels of serotonin in the brain, making you happier.
"[20] Official closure of the 2015 International Year of Soils (IYS) took place at FAO Headquarters on December 4, 2015.