With composting, children can do more than just send cans or newspapers off for recycling -- they can see the entire cycle, from "yucky" food scraps or other organic wastes...to something that is pleasant to handle and is good for the soil. Contrary to the "out of sight, out of mind" philosophy, children who compost become aware of organic wastes as potential resources rather than just as something "gross" to be thrown away and forgotten. They learn through direct experience that they personally can make a difference and have a positive effect on the environment.
Today, our spotlight shines on Gudrun Enger, PTA Parent, who initiated the Lunchtime Composting program at her children's school.
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Tell us about your Lunchtime Composting Program and how it works.
We started Lunchtime Composting at my children's elementary school in the spring of 2009. Using parent volunteers, we help the students (K-3) divide their trash into compost, recycle and trash. Thanks to our hot lunch provider, Choice Lunch, we are able to compost over 85% of our lunchtime waste.What other activities are you involved in as a volunteer or volunteer leader?
I am the Green Team leader for our PTA, as well as a member of the Book Fair committee. In my community, I volunteer for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).
How did you get interested in volunteering?
I have been volunteering regularly since Jr. High School. My mom was a big volunteer, she had a hard time saying no, and I follow her example.What’s one piece of advice you have for parent volunteers out there?
Be Picky! Chose volunteer opportunities that are closest to your interests - you won't begrudge the time you spend on these opportunities and you will continue to develop skills that will be useful going forward.
Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?
I needed an easy way to manage our lunchtime compost volunteers, and provide the volunteers an easy way to sign up for their shifts. Managing the process through email was time consuming and created a lot of unnecessary email traffic.
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To learn more about Gudrun, please visit www.kitchengadgetgirl.com.
We salute Gudrun and all the self-organizing volunteer leaders working to help others and support the causes they care about. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing, and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].
