Helping Ninjas thinks it’s exciting that schools across the globe are starting to compost! Composting in schools lowers the amount of trash put into our landfills and decreases our carbon imprint, and helps to set a good example to our children and our community.
Learning to compost at an early age creates a better chance that they will continue to do so as adults. Children who have been helping replenish our soil and reducing waste as part as their education are more likely to continuously compost independently after graduation vs. those children that did not.
Start Composting Program in Your School Composting at schools can be done with a little research, time, and effort. Kids Compost wants to help you learn how you can help to start one at your own school. And what better way to learn, then to learn from others? Scroll down to see links to helpful articles about schools currently and successful composting. To see a list of schools in your area composting go to Composting Schools List.
WaNT TO START A Compost At Your School?
Here are some resources given to Kids Compost by Shomita Bhattacharya. Program Specialist at The Green Team Org. in Massachusetts that will be able to assist you in initiating a food waste diversion program at your school.
Helpful Resources and Manuals to Get You Started
- Multiple schools from surrounding districts in New England have used the Green Team created Food Waste Diversion Guide for Schools.
- The School Composting manual funded by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection can be used as a guide and also highlights schools that started and are continuing to maintain a food waste diversion program.
- Andover High School in Essex County, MA, developed an operating manual for their waste diversion program accurately describing all the steps involved in diverting the school’s waste.
- Town of Framingham case study sheds light on their organics diversion and reusable tray program.
- United States Department of Agriculture has created a short guide on how different stakeholders in a school can help prevent wasted food.
- Anyone is free to utilize all the tools and resources available on the Green Team website. The food waste reduction page and the Green Team links have a multitude of information that can be helpful in starting the conversation with school’s administration, implementing the program, and maintaining its sustainability.
Applying For A Grant
(The following example refers to the state of Indiana, each state has their own grant fundings and Kids Compost is working to compile information, but for now, you should research your own states State Environmental Grants)
- The school can apply for Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s (IDEM) Recycling Market Development Program, providing grant funding to businesses, municipalities, schools, and waste management entities.
- The IDEM has also published a guide on starting various programs in schools, including composting. Click here for IDEM guide.
Thank you Green Team Org of Massachusetts!
Find out more at thegreenteam.org
Guide-to-Staring-a-School-Compost-Program Farm To School PDF
www.lifelab.org Life Lab cultivates children’s love of learning, healthy food, and nature through garden based education.
Life Lab Organizations: Composting Curriculum Lessons and Videos
Step By Step Lunchroom Composting Cambridge, MA Step By Step PDF
Compost Program at Cornell Schools
2016 Carmel Indiana Green Team Compost Project
