CBCC Hosts Composting Night Event
CBCC Hosts Composting Night
Residential Composting Workshop held in Coral Bay
The Coral Bay Community Council (CBCC) hosted a Residential Composting Seminar at the Oasis Event Center in Coral Bay, St John on Tuesday March 15th. Dr. Dave Minner, recently retired from Iowa State University and Gifft Hill School presented a series of simple composting options to attendees. Composting uses the natural process of decay to convert kitchen waste into nitrogen rich material that can be spread in gardens to “turbo-charge’ plant growth” according to Bob Reale, Environmental Programs Associate at the CBCC. For more detailed info: https://coralbaycommunitycouncilusvi.org/solid-waste-solutions/home-composting/
Dr. Minner indicated that “as much as 60% of what we throw away can be composted and kept out of our landfills”. He showed how composting can be done in a way that does not create an unpleasant smell or attract pests. “It’s all about the FBI – Fungi, Bacteria, and Invertebrates that break things down.” He went on to explain what made good compost and shared some DIY composting systems – several of which were given away to participants.
These events are part of a series of programs and events aimed at supporting and initiating Recycling, Reuse, Repurposing, and Reducing programs to improve the management of solid waste in Coral Bay and St. John.
These upcoming events and campaigns will help to show how the various “R-word” strategies (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Repurpose) can be employed by a coalition of Individuals, Businesses, Nonprofit Organizations, and Government to improve solid waste management and disposal practices on St. John. The sessions are free and open to the public.
CBCC is working in cooperation with the Island Green Living Association and the VI Waste Management Authority as well as residents, business owners and other local organizations and government agencies as a part of this effort which was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Solid Waste Management initiatives are part of the ongoing Coral Bay Watershed Management project to protect our beautiful natural environment and people from the unintended consequences of development. CBCC has committed to continuing to lead and act as the Watershed Coordinator working in cooperation with residents and the government. Responsible solid waste management and disposal is an important component of this effort. Please also see the 5 -year Coral Bay Watershed Management Plan and the companion Community Handbook at Home Page – Coral Bay Community Council.
