CAPE ELIZABETH — The Environmental Club received a $1,000 grant from the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation to create a composting and recycling project at the high school.

Susan Guerrette, the Environmental Club advisor and science teacher, said the students tried a composting project last year, but the materials were brought off school property and the idea was too far-reaching to sustain.

Now, the plan is to reel it back in and start small, Guerrette said.

The club wants to build two compost, recycling and trash centers in the cafeteria that will resemble the ones at Whole Foods, Guerrette said. The students then need permission to build compost bins on school property and the compost has to be rotated and maintained on a regular basis.

“The project is in the developmental stages, but I am confident the funding will come together and students will do the work it takes to succeed,” she said. 

Starting with the compost and recycling centers in the cafeteria, everything needs to be labeled clearly so items are placed in the correct bins, she said.

Then, when the compost bins are placed on school property, students will be able to more easily maintain the materials.

“Eventually we want all the schools to compost,” she said. “But for now, we will start small and prove the system works. It takes baby steps to change society.”

Amy Anderson can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 110 or aanderson@theforecaster.net

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