Most people only consider sustainability to the point of recycling, but for Sarah Bogdanovich, a Fairhope community member, there’s a much more efficient, albeit wriggly, system available.
Several weeks ago, Bogdanovich reached out to Jennifer Jaynes, a science teacher at Fairhope High School, to introduce a school-wide vermicomposting program. The two aimed to impact not only the schools’ waste management program but students’ personal views on waste.
“I think we often forget how much waste we produce, as well as the little helpers that benefit the environment. This project helps me be mindful of the current state of the world and the living beings in it doing their jobs. I think we should be doing our jobs as well to benefit the environment,” said Makaila Robinson, a student.
Vermicomposting helps students be more attentive about waste, not just in the classroom, but also in their daily lives. Vermicomposting teaches people to see the negative impacts of human waste and the positive effects of a sustainable approach. It allows them to learn about how they can help the environment.
“When we put something like a banana peel in a landfill, the plastic-lined pool doesn’t allow any composting to put those nutrients back into the soil,” Bogdanovich said, “Vermicomposting allows worms and bacteria to decompose nutrients and put them back in a form that plants can absorb. It also reduces methane production in the landfill.”
Vermicomposting can improve students’ self-esteem and make them feel better about their impact on the environment. It impacts students’ education, allowing them to take a look at the steps they can take to better their community.
“I’ve seen people do their part and bring food scraps, paper, and cardboard. I can tell they’re passionate because of everything they’re doing to take an active role in the program,” Robinson said, “I think it helps the students become more aware of their environment and the health of their world. The program has united us in our desire to help Earth and reduce our impact.”
The vermicomposting project has left a large impact on Fairhope High School as well as Bogdanovich’s life. Through vermicomposting, she’s been able to see her and her family’s impact on the environment. Seeing one’s footprint impacts students’ perspective on the world’s waste management system as a whole.
“I’ve been composting with worms for over 20 years. I think the most important impact for me has been seeing how easy it is to have an impact on the waste my family produces. At first, when I started composting with worms, it was a novelty… Over time, it has dramatically reduced the amount of waste our family produces and changed the way we think of waste management on a family level and a community level,” Bogdanovich said.
After two months, the vermicomposting program has positively impacted the school environment, students’ attitudes and sustainability. Eventually, the program aims to spread sustainability throughout Fairhope. But for now, vermicomposting has already left its mark on Fairhope High School and its students.
