Coral Isles Church on Plantation Key in Islamorada recently started a community composting project with an educational event and hands-on demonstration.
Melody Tuschel, Monroe County recycling coordinator, and Maria Quirico, University of Florida Extension office horticulture agent, began the event with presentations to a group of about 20 church and community members. They pointed out the problems created by food waste, including production of methane gas, and explained the benefits of composting.
According to the EPA, about a third of our nation’s food is wasted. Food waste in landfills accounts for some 58% of the methane gas created, and 61% of that gas is not captured for energy use. Composting food waste puts organic nutrients into the soil and keeps it out of landfills.
The event ended with a demonstration by Tuschel on how to fill the composting bin at the church. She layered paper, food waste and yard waste to create the right recipe for composting. These materials will decompose and create a nutrient-dense soil product for gardens.
“We want to be known as the congregation in the community that is a leader on environmental
issues and as the place where people go for creation care,” said Rev. Dr. Bruce Havens,
of Coral Isles Church. “Climate change is a deeply spiritual issue we are facing, and that
spiritual view is widely shared in the congregation.”
“Coral Isles Church cares deeply about protecting creation,” said Barbara Overton, mission chair for the church. “We are already engaged in plastic reduction and environmental advocacy. It’s exciting to add this composting program and the opportunity to partner with the community to divert food waste from the landfill.”
The church invites the community to bring food waste to the bin every first Sunday of the
month from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Information on the materials that can be composted can be found on the church’s Facebook page or by contacting the church office.
