Composting Program Launches at Wiley
We are thrilled to share some exciting news about our ongoing efforts toward waste reduction at Wiley—we have started a composting program! If you missed our initial announcement, refer to our previous post at Wiley PTA Waste Reduction.
The composting program aims to provide students both education and empowerment to take action. Our local landfill is reaching a critical capacity level, and it's crucial for all of us to contribute to waste reduction efforts. These efforts also align with several of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The first phase of our program focuses on compostable paper products—bathroom paper towels and cafeteria lunch trays. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of our PTA volunteers in the cafeteria during the first week of February, we were able to kickstart this initiative and create a buzz around the school, including an interactive media center display.
Special appreciation goes out to Mr. Reggie for his support and enthusiasm in making this program a reality. His commitment to sustainability has been instrumental in driving positive change within our school community. Also, we want to thank the kitchen staff and teachers for helping us launch this last week. We learned a lot, and they helped get the kids on board!
So, what happens to the compostable paper products once collected? We've partnered with CompostNow, a local composting service. The compostable products are hauled offsite to a large scale composting facility, and in return, we receive nutrient-rich compost for our Kitchen Garden beds. It's a fantastic way to close the loop and actively contribute to the health of our local environment.
There's a lot of work to do to prepare for composting food waste, which is the next phase we aim to launch in the fall. If you're as excited as we are and want to be a part of these efforts or simply learn more, we encourage you to get in touch with the PTA Sustainability Committee at secretary@wileypta.org. Your involvement and support are crucial in making Wiley a beacon of sustainability in our community and reinforcing our school's commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
