The Georgetown Solid Waste Management Programme has embarked on a community-based outreach programme at Mocha, East Bank Demerara that seeks to educate residents about the benefits of composting.
Waste Management Specialist attached to the programme, Rufus Lewis, said the project started with theoretical discussions and will soon be followed by practical activities. Stakeholders include representatives from the Neighbourhood Democratic Council, schools, farmers and householders. The participants are enthusiastic about learning the new techniques of gardening, Lewis said, adding that they are currently building a tent to protect the compost materials from harsh weather and levelling the ground.
“Composting is the breaking down of organic biodegradable materials that are compiled and added to enhance the richness of soil for planting,” the group said. As such, the project encourages participants to store their kitchen and yard waste such as vegetable skins, dry leaves, weeded grass and animal manure to be composted. This process ensures that community residents do not dispose of organic waste at the Haags Bosch Landfill as this type of waste “generates methane gas, which is 21 times more injurious than carbon dioxide.”
Lewis is also encouraging farmers to reduce their use of chemical fertilizers and instead employ the method of composting, since fertilizers are harmful to the environment.
“They cannot stop using it all together, especially if they have large scale farms but farmers have a tendency of using too much fertilizers sometimes and these are leached into canals and drains, killing fish and contaminating the streams,” he said.
Two central locations in Mocha and Mocha Arcadia have been chosen as training grounds for composting activities. Tools and materials will also be provided as the project progresses. The group also plans to host similar sessions in Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara and Caledonia, East Bank Demerara.
