Composting during lunch beginning Jan. 2nd

During the Thanksgiving lunch back on Nov. 16th we tried composting for the first time.  Things went well that day.  So we are going to move forward with beginning this process on January 2nd.  

To get to the point, for this program to be successful it's going to take time for our students to learn and understand what goes into the composting bin and what does not.  Beginning with lunch (lunch only) there will be less trash barrels around the cafeteria. Beside each trash barrel will be a green compost barrel.  Students are going to need to throw their items away accordingly in the different barrels.  This is the part I am talking about when it comes to 'time'.  It's going to take time to teach this. It's going to take time to get over the hurdles of kids just putting everything in one barrel. This will change the way we dismiss students from their tables to their lines.  This will take time to learn.  Once a routine and new habits are formed the time needed to individually instruct will decrease and habits will take over.  

Education of students: 

On December 15th, during GMPG, Mr. Charlie O'Connell will be visiting and sharing with the students about composting.  He will do some education, like what can go in the bins and what goes in the trash, type of conversation. The conversation needs to also extend into the classroom.  There are great ways to incorporate composting lessons into our science units.  Even if it is a quick slideshow of what can be composted and what is trash on a regular basis will help.  Bringing awareness is the main thing that will help with 'time'. Mr. O'Connell will also be coming during lunch on Jan. 3rd to help students when they are throwing things away. Here are some items that we can start talking to our students about that are compostable and that are trash. 

Compostable Items

• All food & dairy products
• All plastic ware (forks, spoons, & the wrapper they come in) 
• All water & food cups/containers
• Wood (popsicle sticks) 
• Disposable trays
• Paper towels & Napkins

Trash items

• Ketchup, Mayo, Mustard, Salad Dressing etc. packets (all condiment packaging)
• All plastic food packaging
• Milk cartons (cardboard & plastic)
• Plastic bags
• Stickers (specifically fruit stickers)

Here's what we know, contamination (aka. trash going into the compost bin) will happen.  A small amount of contamination is okay.  If there is a lot of contamination in one single bin, then the bin will just become trash. So, on January 2nd I will meet with each grade level in the cafeteria to go over our cafeteria procedures and expectations.  Please look for a calendar invite for this meeting. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to see me.