M’CHIGEENG—Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS)’s SHARE/Go-Green and Eco-Hero students held a relaunch of the schools composting program on May 19.
“The program received generous support from the Learning for a Sustainable Future Action Project funding for student-led climate change/sustainability initiatives,” said teacher Yana Bauer. “With a $500 grant, the students were able to purchase compostable cups and bags, as well as set-up waste diversion containers and a compost bin.”
Ms. Bauer explained, “the collected compost is mixed with plant matter from the school greenhouse and uses friendly bacteria, heat and moisture to break down the organic matter in banana peels and such. There are also worms and insects in there as well that help, but the main action is aerobic and bacterial. The school will use the finished compost in the greenhouse and in the raised beds around the school, to help enrich the soil.”
During the May 19 launch, the organizers (students) served tea in the compostable cups, held a bake sale, ran a quiz game on sustainability and waste diversion and most importantly, educated students on composting and waste sorting, explained Ms. Bauer. “Students were supportive and willing to change their habits to help the school become more sustainable. So far, the launch was successful in raising awareness about zero-waste and carbon emissions from waste in food consumption.”
Student organizers of the relaunch of the schools composting program included Anika Smith, Daphne Carr, Ezra Diebolt, Alex Wilson-Zegil and Jocelyn Kuntsi.
