The Gorham High School EcoClub recently received another grant from the Natural Resources Council of Maine to help GHS transition from plastic cutlery to reusable or compostable silverware. And EcoClub is continuing to emphasize composting by encouraging students to separate food and paper waste from plastic and tin foil waste. The compostable waste is picked up by the recycling service, Garbage to Garden; in the spring, the nutrient-rich dirt created from the compost will be applied to the EcoClub pollinator garden in Robie Park.
To prove the composting program’s financial benefits, EcoClub will conduct a second trash audit on Feb. 28 to gather data about the percentages of waste, compost, and recyclable materials. Currently, GHS pays for trash removal by weight. Subtracting the pounds of compost should offset the cost of Garbage to Garden and incentivize systemic funding next year.
Photo Credit: GHS Teacher Rachel GradyChloe Blanchard, one of two MEEA (Maine Environmental Education Association) Students of the Year for 2023
This significant transition to a greener GHS has been led by EcoClub Project Manager, Chloe Blanchard, who has won recognition as one of two Maine Environmental Education Association Students of the Year. She will be receiving her award in Augusta on Feb. 11. All EcoClub members are working hard to make Gorham.more sustainable.