Vision

We would like to reduce food waste at our high school. We need to create an alternative method for disposing of organic waste in order to become certified as an eco school. Our school has about 450 students and is therefore too large to accomodate a compost system outside. Vermicomposting is a simple and effective way to teach students about sustainability. This student directed project will benefit the class, school and community.

Action

By learning how to manage a vermicomposting system, students will be able to pass this knowledge on to their families. They may even start to use vermi composting at home. Students will understand the importance of reducing waste and they will feel good about making a difference.

This project has significant environmental impacts. It will decrease the amount of food going into landfills. Vermicomposting eliminates the need for the transportation and storage of waste. Since worm castings are rich in nitrogen, the soil from the compost system can be used as a powerful plant fertilizer. The fertilizer will be used in our school’s greenhouse.

There are also economic benefits to running a vermicomposting system. It requires a low capital investment. The kits can be purchased or built by the students. A large bin, soil and worms are required. The process is sustainable because the worms reproduce.

In addition, there are social benefits to this project. Students learn to work together as a team to maintain the composting system. They will need to figure out a schedule of responsibilities and duties to fulfill each day. Once the project is up and running, students will be required to communicate the effects of the vermicomposting system with the entire school. They will also need to educate staff and students about what types of waste can be composted.