2013 Idaho Master Composter and Recycler

The Idaho Master Composter and Recycler (MCR) is a train the trainer program that trains individuals in environmental education topics related to the pollution prevention cycle (reduce, reuse, recycle, treatment, disposal), resources usage reduction and efficiency (energy, water, soils), composting at the home, farm, and municipal level, and vermicomposting. The program meets once a week for seven sessions plus a field day. We provide attendees with information on a wide arrange of sustainability topics and a lot of resources to enrich themselves and to teach others, enabling them to serve as a community resource in environmental education. The program is open to the general public, but audiences that for sure will take a lot of applicable knowledge home include teachers, students, Planning and Zoning, and city public works personnel, elected officials, private companies representatives (stores, hotels, farms, manufacturing, restaurants, etc.). Participants share their experiences and questions, and learn more about sustainable practices and how to increase sustainability in their businesses, schools, farms, communities, or simply at home with their family.
Attendees can participate in the whole program (receiving a certificate of completion), or just the classes they are interested in (no certificate). One university of Idaho credit is available.

The 2013 class will be offered in Jerome on Wednesday evenings, starting February 6 and will run for seven weeks through March 27, plus a field day. The class will meet at the Con Paulo’s Community Room (Exit 168 in I-84), 251 E. Frontage Rd. S., Jerome, ID 83338, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.

The cost for this 7-week class is $40. Students with current ID pay $20 (no credit). Single session attendance is $15 per session. University credit and continuing education credit are available for students and/or teachers. For registration information, contact the Gooding County Extension office at (208)934-4417 or visit our webpage http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/gooding and click on the Master Composter and Recycler Program to download the brochure including registration.

 

Program outline

Session 1

 

Introduction and Master Composter and Recycler

guidelines. Pollution Prevention hierarchy.

Environmental regulations overview. Pollution

Prevention cycle. Scientific approach to information

and resources usage.

Session 2

Reducing concepts. Energy usage reduction. Water

conservation practices. Practical examples.

Session 3

Reusing concepts. Reduce-reuse relationship. Real life

examples and success stories by invited presenters.

Session 4

Recycling. What can be recycled? Recycling systems.

Examples. Waste treatment. Waste disposal.

Hazardous wastes disposal. Landfill operation.

Session 5

Misuse of recycling. Grass cycling. Composting I:

Basic concepts and home composting techniques.

Session 6

Use of compost. Composting II:

Small farm and community techniques.

Session 7

Vermicomposting. Alternative biological treatment of

organic wastes. Implementing Pollution Prevention

programs. Community Action, volunteer opportunities,

and final discussions. Closing comments.

Extra session presenting class projects

Obligatory for credit students, open to other students to

attend and observe.

Field trip:

Optional for non-credit students

Extra class work and exam for credit students