Going Green With Composting

Organic waste makes up as much as 30% of all the waste generated in Newfoundland and Labrador. Composting is an efficient and effective way to reduce the amount of waste sent to our landfills. Through composting organic material available in school, students will have the opportunity to become engaged citizens of the environment. With funding available to create compost bins for the schools, a green thumb club will be created to provide education and leadership opportunities for students to assume some responsibility for running the compost program, to care for the plants and trees around the school grounds through utilizing the compost . In addition, students will be able to explore the benefits of growing plants and vegetables in enriched soil as compared to non-enriched soil. Students will be encouraged to talk to their parents about composting at home; parents will be welcomed to assist with the school composting.

Update (January 21, 2012)

Gabions were purchased to house material for composting. One side is used for the active compost while the other houses the green and brown material to use. To ensure waste is not blown through the holes of the gabion it is wired with mesh. One of the front sides were cut down to allow children to be able to reach in and to open the front like a door to harvest the compost. A tarp was purchased to cover the top during the summer months to prevent drying out.

Update (January 24, 2012)

Posters were designed for the primary and elementary grades by the Environmental Club as a reminder of what types of food to place in the classroom compost bins.

Update (January 24, 2012)

Indoor compost containers are placed in each classroom, cafeteria and staffroom. They are emptied twice a week.

Update (January 24, 2012)

The outdoor compost bin is a gabion which is used to house rocks. It is divided in to two parts; one is used for active compost, while the other side houses debris to be added to the active compost. It is wrapped it in mesh to prevent debris from blowing out. One side has been cut down to allow students to reach in. This same side was also cut to create a door students could open to collect the compost. During summer months, the top is wrapped with a tarp to prevent it from drying out.

Update (January 24, 2012)

A variety of supplies were purchased for composting and amending the soil on the school grounds.