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Mason-Rice is composting!




This week, Mason-Rice students started composting food waste in the lunchroom!   Twice a week food scraps will be picked up by Black Earth Compost and processed into nutrient-rich compost.

Why? 
Composting...

  • Saves time and money in reduced soil and fertilizer purchases while decreasing local disposal costs. By composting, you won't have to bag and drag yard waste to the curb for collection!
  • Is good for the environment. Often, organic material decomposes without air in landfills producing methane, a gas that contributes to global climate change.
  • Enriches the soil. Compost reduces erosion by improving soil structure and adds essential nutrients to the soil, helping to grow trouble-free plants with less water, fertilizer or pesticides.


What can your family do to support your earth-friendly kid? 

 Here are 3 easy steps to make a difference:

1. COMPOST AT HOME

Your family can reduce food scraps going into the trash by signing up for curbside food waste collection or by composting at home.

The City of Newton has partnered with Black Earth Compost to offer household curbside food waste collection service that will turn those vegetable peels, bones, shells and other scraps back into dirt that can grow more food instead of being tossed as trash.  (The service will cost Newtonians $59.99 for six months, plus a one-time start-up fee of $34 to pay for a 13-gallon lockable cart.)

If you are interested in composting at home, Newton City Hall sells compost bins at a reduced rate (only $25 for a compost bin). Pick up a compost bin and simply add your food waste and yard clippings to make a great soil and fertilizer for your gardens.

More information about both of these options is available here.


2. REDUCE TRASH BY USING REUSABLE ITEMS

The most effective way to reduce waste is to avoid generating it in the first place.  Your family members can reduce waste by using reusable utensils, water bottles and  food containers.  You can also bring your own to-go containers to pack leftovers from restaurants.


3. RECYCLE

Avoid sending items to landfills when they can be recycled and turned into something new. Familiarize yourself with what goes into Newton recycling bins and avoid throwing any of these recyclable materials into the trash. Learn more here.


Credits:

Information above from City of Newton website.

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