Written with Rachael Grady, GHS Teacher and EcoClub Co-Advisor

Gorham High School is composting in the cafeteria for the first time this year, thanks to the hard work of dedicated EcoClub members and supportive administrators.

Last year EcoClub members and advisors completed a trash audit and learned that the majority of GHS “trash” from the cafe was actually food waste and paper that can be composted. Because GHS pays for trash by weight, this became a compelling economic reason to compost, alongside the environmental reason that anaerobic conditions (think plastic bags in landfills) create methane, which increases global warming.

With the data from the trash audit, EcoClub Project Manager Chloe Blanchard approached GHS Principal Brian Jandreau and got approval to learn about contracts with local composting companies. Garbage to Garden is a Maine business that agreed to come to Gorham to pick up the compost two days each week for a fee. Principal Jandreau has supported this effort strongly and sought full funding for the program. Although the funding did not make it through budget cuts, the plan was approved and EcoClub is committed to fundraising to cover the costs of composting this year. EcoClub members presented to the School Committee on September 14, and they, too, are supportive of composting in our school.