Green Guru Network

 

 

Program News!

• Changing of the guard – Murray McBride has stepped down as director and, as of January 1, 2012, Jean Bonhotal was appointed our new director. Murray continues his role with the Healthy Soils, Healthy Communities program.

 

• Like the rest of the world, the island of Puerto Rico has its waste management problems. Of the 24 landfills operating in Puerto Rico, only 14 will remain in operation in 2014. On February 29th, 2012, Jean Bonhotal and Mary Schwarz traveled to Puerto Rico to participate in a unique internship program in Puerto Rico where more than 40 students from six universities in Puerto Rico learned about organics management, recycling, and additional strategies to reduce waste on the island. The program was coordinated by Syracuse University’s Environmental Finance Center (EFC) with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Program (USDA-RD), and is in alignment with the goals of the Puerto Rico Recycling Partnership (PRRP).

 

CWMI developed curricula and educational materials for the interns to utilize as they teach K-12 students, and delivered training on composting basics and methods through a 2-day workshop on March 2 and 3 in San Juan. The curricula and educational materials are posted on CWMI’s website and are available in English and Spanish at http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/workshopreadings.htm.

 

It was a rewarding experience, as these college students are interested, excited and energetic about learning how to close the sustainability loop. They will initially reach out to young students sharing the information learned and implementing composting at their schools, but what is more important is the “ripple effect”.  The college and primary school students can continue making a difference teaching their families, friends and communities about composting now and, as our future decision makers and educators.

 

• “Recycler of the Year” was awarded to Ken Van Alstine at the 2011 New York State Recycling Conference in November. Congratulations Ken!

 

• On December 22, 2011, Hannah Shayler gave birth to “Kai”, an 8 lb 4 oz, 21” baby boy.  Congratulations Hannah and Justin!

 

• Our web site’s search engine is up and running again after being down for a few weeks. http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/search.htm

 

http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu