Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2017: Gauging the Grenfell Campus Community's View on Composting and Potential On-Campus Composting Options

Diamond, Jason (2017) Student Independent Projects Environmental Studies 2017: Gauging the Grenfell Campus Community's View on Composting and Potential On-Campus Composting Options. Research Report. Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to look at the behaviour and attitudes towards composting organic waste among the Grenfell Campus community and to research options to deal with Grenfell’s organic waste. With Grenfell's industrial composter no longer in use, due to high costs of operation and budget cuts, there are currently no alternatives to divert the campus’ organic waste from ending up in the landfill. Government action plans and Grenfell's vision for the year 2020 push for a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable future. With these plans in place positive outcomes appear to be on the way but concrete actions for moving forward with composting on campus are currently lacking. Through a campus wide survey regarding composting, participants’ responses indicate the level of involvement that can happen if composting on-campus returns. Interview responses from faculty and staff on possible composting options that could work for Grenfell help in moving us closer towards this aim. As well, in this research I look at what other campuses are doing to provide ideas. Possible composting options identified for Grenfell include vermicomposting, using backyard composters, and biogas generation. Initial analysis suggests that vermicomposting or the use backyard composters are low hanging fruit that can be easily achievable for our small campus. With a little financial aid and help from interested volunteers, a small pilot project can help divert a small amount of our organic waste from a landfill. Grenfell should support and work towards becoming a more sustainable campus, leaving a positive impact on anyone who visits.

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