Vision

Diverting compostable materials from the landfill, to reduce methane emissions.

Action

We have partnered with Compost Winnipeg to provide school wide composting, using an industrial level composting process from their company that allows us to compost much more than what can go in a garden bin. All food waste, compostable dishes and cutlery, napkins and more are now composted in our school in all grades, plus the staff room etc. The grade 5 students are responsible for collecting all the compost. All students have been educated as to what can and cannot go in the bins, as well as student lunch monitors who help with this process.
In the music room, because the music teacher is actively involved in the environment learning at the school through music and the arts, students watched the Compost Winnipeg promotional video for how to compost, and – using various learning outcomes for the Manitoba Music Curriculum – analyzed the video for its sound design and music usage to notice how music and sound is used to convince viewers how to think about composting and keep viewers engaged. Since this lesson on analyzing the music, students have since used sound production programs themselves, and learned how to add sound effects for their own projects. As well, students in the environment club have gone on to making their own videos with engaging sound design, visual effects and sound effects to promote other environmental initiatives in the school such as taking care of the ocean by reducing garbage, plastic and not littering, as well as starting up litterless lunch days with an energetic video.
Compost Winnipeg has shared that the amount of organic waste that was diverted from the landfill during just the 5 months since we have started this project (225kg) is equal to 202.5kg of CO2e, and is equal to the carbon sequestered by 3.3 trees grown for 10 years. WOW!
As well, many members of the environment club have been making videos, presentations, a book and more about the importance of not adding to the landfill in the first place, to encourage other students to help the earth.
The program is going quite well and will continue to be supported by the school’s PAC.

Reflection & Celebration

We cannot wait to share this good news with the rest of the school about how much compost waste was diverted from the landfill! This is an exciting and direct impact for our planet, and ourselves to help reduce emissions in our warming world.