Rainbow Schools take part in compost challenge from May 6 to 12

Rainbow District School Board is inviting students and staff to compost in celebration of International Compost Awareness Week from May 6 to 12, 2018.

Schools are challenged to collect organic waste to reduce the refuse in local landfill sites. Throughout the week, students will also take part in a variety of activities aimed at creating awareness about composting, including preparing for school gardening programs.

This Go Green initiative is part of the Environmental Committee’s ongoing efforts to build an understanding about composting and its ecological advantages.

“Composting is nature’s way of recycling,” says Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “Compost returns valuable nutrients to the soil to help maintain soil quality and fertility.”

He adds: “Throughout the challenge, students will learn what materials are compostable and how composting has long-term benefits for the planet. Our participation in International Compost Awareness Week is another way we are encouraging school communities to adopt sustainable practices.”

Compost is a mild, slow release, natural fertilizer that does not burn plants like chemical fertilizers. It provides organic matter and nutrients, which improves plant growth and leads to better yields.

Environmental benefits of composting include reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions, and minimizing our dependence on fossil fuels. Composting also limits incineration, which spreads toxic ash waste into the air we breathe.

Rainbow District School Board’s Environmental Committee is issuing monthly challenges to staff and students throughout the school year.

What will next month’s challenge be?

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Media Contact:
Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.