Newfoundland and Labrador Celebrates Compost Awareness Week

International Compost Awareness Week is May 1-7 and the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) is encouraging all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to follow nature’s example by composting organic waste for a greener garden and a greener future.

“Through the valuable information and educational programs offered by the MMSB, we are focused on helping the people of Newfoundland and Labrador understand the benefits of composting at home during this week and every week,” said the Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Environment and Conservation. “Composting not only helps to divert waste from our landfills, but also creates a valuable product that can enhance and beautify gardens and lawns. I encourage all residents to learn more about this simple activity that has such a positive impact on our environment.”

In an effort to help communities divert waste, the MMSB has recently partnered with 51 communities across the province to offer backyard compost bins at a reduced rate, along with an opportunity for residents to participate in educational training sessions on backyard composting. The participating communities have collectively ordered more than 3,600 backyard compost bins and participated in a Train the Trainer workshop with the MMSB’s waste reduction education staff. This is the second backyard composting initiative spearheaded by the MMSB. A total of 20,000 backyard compost bins were distributed and sold throughout the province between 2005 and 2007.

“Organic waste makes up more than 30 per cent of all waste that is generated in Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Leigh Puddester, MMSB’s Chair and CEO. “Organic waste, when buried and cut off from oxygen in our landfills, produces methane. This greenhouse gas has 25 times the global warming potential as carbon dioxide. When composted instead, organic waste creates nutrient-rich compost that can be used to naturally condition the soil.”

During Compost Awareness Week, the MMSB is partnering with Memorial University of Newfoundland Botanical Garden and Memorial University’s Division of Lifelong Learning to offer numerous opportunities for people to become involved.

Also, during Compost Awareness Week lunchtime demonstrations at the Botanical Garden will be held each day from Monday to Friday, noon to 1:00 p.m. All activities are free. For a complete list of times and details, visit www.mun.ca/botgarden 

“Compost Awareness Week is always an exciting time at the garden, and we are pleased to be working with the MMSB again this year,” said Anne Madden, Botanical Garden’s Education Co-ordinator. “We encourage residents to drop by the garden for one of our free lunchtime lectures or bring the whole family on Sunday, May 8, to enjoy the Three Cheers for Composting Family Program.

The MMSB is also working with Memorial University’s Division of Lifelong Learning this year to offer two free public workshops on backyard composting. The workshops will take place on May 3 and June 5 in St. John’s. The two-hour sessions will provide the learning required to begin backyard composting. For more information and to register, visit www.mun.ca/lifelonglearning 

As part of Compost Awareness Week, waste reduction specialists from the MMSB will also give presentations at various schools throughout the province, including presentations at Goulds Elementary, Topsail Elementary and Paradise Elementary to promote the benefits of backyard composting, vermicomposting (composting with worms) and waste reduction. For more information about composting, call the MMSB at 1-800-901-6672 or visit online at www.mmsb.nl.ca 

MMSB is a provincial Crown agency that reports to the Minister of Environment and Conservation. MMSB supports modern waste management practices in the province, with a particular focus on waste diversion, recycling and public education, in order to ensure a clean and healthy environment throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

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2011 04 29             1:40 p.m.