Rosie Saccardo
As schools are becoming more environmentally friendly, new systems are being implemented. One of the new environmentally friendly aspects at GMUHS is the composting system. GMUHS’ Environmental Club has worked hard for the past two years to set up compost buckets around the school and arrange for the compost to be sent to a company. The intention of these composting bins are to help people at GMUHS become more aware of the everyday food waste. You’re probably wondering; what is composting and how does composting work?
What is Composting?
Composting is like “recycling” for food and plant scraps. The scraps go into a compost bin, where they will decompose. At GMUHS, we put a bio blend between each of the layers of compost. Otherwise, it will not break down as effectively. At home, you can use compost to mix with your garden soil which will help plants grow to be healthy.
Composting helps us cut down the amount of waste we make. Humans make so much trash and garbage, but most of it can either be recycled or composted. If thrown away, your food takes up space in landfills and does not properly break down, adding to the already large amount of trash. Food scraps can’t break down if they are in trash bags! Most people think that if they throw away their food it will decompose in a landfill or dump–but that is not correct. Instead, the food scraps will mix with other trash products and create methane, a bad chemical for the environment. Methane is one of the leading gases that contributes to global warming.
What Can You Compost at GMUHS?
GMUHS sends our compost to a facility called Grow Compost Vermont. This company has optimal composting conditions so we are able to send meat, dairy, and seafood products. If you do compost at your own home, do not compost these products because they will not compost correctly. Here is a list of what we can compost at GMUHS and what we can not compost...
Goes in Compost (at GM):
-All food! Including…
-Meat and Bones
-Milk, Cheese, Dairy
-Fruit and Vegetables
-Condiments and Dressings
-Coffee Grounds/Filters
-Seafood and Shells
-Fats, Oils, Spices
NOT for Compost (at GM):
-All Paper Products
-BioPlastics (PLA/PHA)
-Condiment Packets
-Straws/Containers
-Rubber Bands/Twist Ties
-PLU Stickers
-Packaging/Recyclables
-Dishware/Silverware
-Florist Flowers
Legal Justification
In July 2020, it will be a law (Act 148) that food scraps in landfills will be banned coming from businesses and residents in Vermont. There will be compost bins at transfer stations and residents can do composting at their own homes. Because of the upcoming law this year, all of GMUHS students are involved in composting. The Environmental Club came up with the plan that each Advisory is responsible for doing the school’s compost for one week out of the school year. This way, no specific group of people have the overwhelming job of doing the compost for the entire school year.
The composting system at GMUHS will reduce the waste that we put out as a school and it is better for the environment. And remember, even if it seems small, we will make a difference if we work together!
If you have any questions about composting at GMUHS, please contact the Environmental Club or Mr. Malaby.
The GMUHS Compost Instructional Video:
Here is the link to the facility: http://www.growcompost.com
Compost Bin Locations:
1st Floor–The Culinary Room (102), The Cafeteria
2nd Floor–Mr. Malaby (201), Mr. Mastrangelo (204)
3rd Floor–The Library, Mrs. Jonynas (312)
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