EarthCARE in Action

Worm Your Way to a Greener Classroom

December 26, 2007

At EarthCARE's fall training session for elementary Team Leaders Tasha Bridgen from Earth Day Ottawa launched their pilot project to place 20 vermicomposters into elementary classrooms during the 2007-2008 school year. Vermicomposters are indoor composters that use worms to break down food waste and turn it into nutrient rich soil.

Placing Vermicomposters in the classrooms where most children eat their lunches and snacks provides these students with an opportunity to have a direct impact on reducing waste that could otherwise go to a local landfill as well as giving them a valuable learning experience.

Ray and Gerrie from The Worm Factory (www.thewormfactory.ca) were on hand at the in-service to demonstrate and answer questions about setting up the Vermicomposters and will provide support to the schools that receive them.

To date three schools have their composters: Adrienne Clarkson Elementary School, Manordale Public School, and Rockliffe Park Public School.

On the list to receive Vermicomposters from Earth Day Ottawa are Huntley Centennial, Greely, Cedarview, McGregor Easson, Alta Vista, Kars, Trillium, Regina Street, Jack Donohue, Osgoode, Farley Mowat, Viscount Alexander, Henry Larsen, Broadview, Charles Hulse, Leslie Park, and Elizabeth Park, with Woodroffe PS on a wait list.

"This project fits into our science curriculum - living things, and our involvement in EarthCARE. In the new year I will also incorporate it into language, math and drama." Valerie Ruck, Manordale PS