According to EPA estimates, food is now the single largest type of waste going to our municipal landfills and incinerators - more than 33 million tons of food ends up in landfills or are combusted each year. When food is discarded in landfills, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Americans throw away up to 40 percent of their food, an average of 20 pounds per person a month. Much of this wasted food is actually surplus, wholesome and edible food that could have helped those in need. Schools are stepping in to reduce their food waste through composting projects.

Students at Highcrest Middle School in Wilmette are jumping to reduce the volume of leaves for their compost bin. Photo by Sabrina McBride

Recently, Sarina McBride, a PTO environmental representative from Highcrest Middle School in Wilmette, inquired about purchasing an electronic leaf mulcher with SWANCC Waste Grant funds. The purpose of this purchase was to grind up leaves for a new outdoor composting initiative.  Even though funds support equipment for composting projects, Mary Allen, SWANCC's recycling and education director, suggested that she have the students jump on the leaves to reduce the volume without compromising the material. She recalled many October days while raking leaves, the lawn bags would fill up quickly.  To achieve a greater density inside the bags, her small children would be lowered on top of the leaves and jump.  Seeing the wisdom in an old-fashion technique, Ms. McBride set out to solve this matter without spending any money.

She contacted Alchemy Coffee and secured a number of burlap bags.  Several Tuesdays ago, the Outdoor Classroom students enjoyed a few bean bag races and a lot of laughs before filling up the burlap bags with leaves. Once the bags were full, they jumped on the bags to manually crush the leaves. The leaves serve as a "brown" material for the composting bin.  To achieve a balance of nitrogen and carbon sources, the students also add unwanted or partially eaten vegetables and fruit collected from the lunchroom, which provides additional nutrients to the finished compost. The students turn the compost pile daily and plan to use it in the spring for gardening projects during their Outdoor Classroom sessions.

"Ms. McBride commented, "So I am now convinced that we don't need an electric leaf mulcher. Jumping in burlap coffee bags not only grinds up the leaves as well as an electric mulcher, but is good exercise for the kids." What a win-win situation!

What waste reduction accomplishments have you achieved this year?  Please share your story with SWANCC at info@swancc.org. Thank you.

Additional Composting Resources

• Five Tips for Composting During the Winter - from Earth 911
   earth911.com
   
• Coming Soon! SWANCC's "Composting At Home" Video and Resources
  swancc.org