{"id":5996,"date":"2021-11-30T00:43:42","date_gmt":"2021-11-30T00:43:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/projectgreenlancaster.millersville.edu\/?p=5996"},"modified":"2021-12-03T17:23:46","modified_gmt":"2021-12-03T17:23:46","slug":"lancaster-compost-cooperative","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projectgreenlancaster.millersville.edu\/index.php\/2021\/11\/30\/lancaster-compost-cooperative\/","title":{"rendered":"Lancaster Compost Cooperative"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Mandy Weaver<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mussler Park Site<\/em>
Photo provided by Mandy Weaver<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lancaster Compost Co-Op Makes Composting in the City Practical and Accessible for Residents with Community Compost Bins. <\/em>

City residents enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle with unlimited opportunities. There are many great ways to be sustainable in Lancaster, like walking and biking, going to thrift stores, or purchasing locally sourced food. But the lack of space for city residents makes other sustainable tasks more challenging.

\u201cI compost not as much for the product that you get out of it, but rather the bigger purpose behind it,\u201d says Emily Shuler. \u201cI was excited when I heard about the Co-Op, and immediately wanted to get involved,\u201d Shuler, a member of the Musser Park Compost Co-Op site, PR manager at a local agency, and a resident of Lancaster City for 6 years and composted her entire life. Moving into the city didn\u2019t change that habit, regardless of the accessibility to space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Lancaster Compost Co-Op<\/strong>

Lancaster Compost Co-Op gives residents easy access to dispose of organic food and materials sustainably. The project strives to connect the community through environmental awareness and creating a sustainable city. One of the easiest ways to do this is by taking organic materials out of landfills.

The Co-Op\u2019s no-cost membership is open to every Lancaster resident. There are only two requirements. First, residents must attend an orientation session to get acquainted with the site, learn what composting is, and learn how to compost. Second, the cooperative asks that each member put in 1 hour each month for maintenance.

Otherwise, members may use the bin whenever it is most convenient for them. Each bin accommodates up to 70 members. The Co-Op keeps a list of acceptable items posted as a reminder for the members. Members may use the compost for personal plants or gardens once it\u2019s ready.

The Co-Op has 3 active bin locations. Lancaster City partnered with the Co-Op after receiving a $15,000 grant, which will aid in the building of 4 new bins for more locations. Five out of 15 neighborhoods have walking access to the bins. The project aims to have bins within walking distance for all Lancaster City\u2019s neighborhoods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n