Unique compost program at a Kitchener school reduces food waste
A Kitchener high school is taking a unique program beyond classroom walls – with the goal to reduce food waste while feeding the community.
The green industries program at Eastwood Collegiate Institute is done using a closed loop hot compost.
“The closed loop compost program is a way to use the waste produced in this building here – so food waste as well as chicken waste – and use it to produce soil that can then be used in our garden program here to grow some really healthy, nutritious food for our community,” said Adam Kasper, a teacher at Eastwood Collegiate.
The school’s chickens are at the heart of the program.
“The fecal matter they produce is eventually going to be turned into fertilizer so we can grow more plants. And any waste we get out of the school's food program goes directly to the chickens so they can eat it,” said Kyris Atkinson, a student.
A hot compost is used by bringing together organic materials in a large enough pile to retain heat.
It’s a method that breaks materials down faster – although it is higher maintenance. It’s not too much to handle for the thirty students that are a part of this year’s course. The students use the rich soil to grow food for the community.
“And then they're going to sell that here at this market starting in the middle of July. So every two weeks we'll have that hosting here and we'll have lots of food for the community,” said Kasper.
LESSONS LEARNED
Important lessons have sprouted from the garden as well.
“I learned how to water plants, how to manage the chickens,” said student Owen Swift.
It even encouraged students like Swift to continue the work outside of school.
“I think I'm going to try and grow my own garden, maybe take care of my own chickens,” Swift said.
Students said it’s important to care for the community and beyond.
“I am so happy that I'm making such a great change not just in my community but eventually the world,” said student Kameron Van Koughnett.
The program is expected to have over 70 students next year.
“I have definitely learned a lot about teamwork and how hard it is to do things by yourself,” said Van Koughnett.
With the garden growing, it seems the interest in being green is growing too.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD
Earlier this year, the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) recognized Eastwood Collegiate for their closed loop compost program, with the Tim Walker Memorial Award.
“The garden will further address food insecurity through a planned expansion, which will directly and positively impact school community members,” the school board said.
Each year, the WRDSB recognizes schools for their commitment and contribution to education and environmental initiatives.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We've been here before': Trudeau says Canada will prioritize interests in potential U.S. trade renegotiation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says that if the next U.S. president re-opens trade negotiations for the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), Canada will prioritize its own interests.
B.C. billionaire posts third large sign criticizing NDP ahead of the election
British Columbia billionaire Chip Wilson has put up yet another billboard message to voters, his third post outside his multimillion-dollar mansion in NDP Leader David Eby's own riding.
Missing father, kids spotted in New Zealand wilderness 3 years after disappearance: police
A New Zealand man who disappeared with his three children in 2021 was spotted on a farm along the country's northwest coast, police say.
WATCH LIVE NOW Deadly Old Montreal fire: police arrest two suspects aged 18 and 20
Montreal police have arrested two young adults in connection with the deadly fire in Old Montreal last week that killed two people.
Former public safety minister didn't know about delayed spy warrant, he tells inquiry
Former public safety minister Bill Blair denies having any knowledge about delays in approving a spy service warrant in 2021 that may have included references to people in his own government.
'It went horribly wrong': DNA analysis sheds light on lost Arctic expedition's grisly end
Archaeologists have identified the cannibalized remains of a senior officer who perished during an ill-fated 19th century Arctic expedition, offering insight into its lost crew's tragic and grisly final days.
Winnipeggers arrested after images surface of cats being tortured, killed
Two Winnipeggers have been arrested after images and videos were posted online of animals being tortured and killed.
Partial remains of British climber believed found 100 years after Everest ascent
The partial remains of a British mountaineer who might -- or might not -- have been one of the first two people to climb Mount Everest are believed to have been found a century after their ascent of the world's highest peak, according to an expedition led by National Geographic.
Al Pacino says being a new dad at 84 is a 'mini miracle'
Al Pacino is enjoying being a late-in-life dad. The legendary actor talked about being a father to a brood, including to 16-month-old Roman with producer Noor Alfallah.