Field trips are all about hands on learning and having fun in new environments and that is exactly what two classes from Robson Community School and Twin Rivers Elementary school experienced recently.
Each class started out the day by visiting the Ootischenia landfill where they learned about how our everyday waste can be diverted at the drop off recycling stations. Students got to see first hand where our compost goes and how separated materials such as wood, metal, freezers, tires, and paint are managed at the landfill. Seeing the compactor in action and driving through (and on top of) the landfill was an experience that most students won’t soon forget. The take away; This is not a dump but a very organized and well managed landfill that will hopefully last many decades to come, as long as we help by recycling, composting, and sorting our waste. Thanks, RDCK for an amazing tour!
Next, the students loaded on the bus and travelled to Mount Sentinel Farms. We were welcomed by the families who operate and live on site and were given delicious home baked treats made in their bakery. Yummy! Students were then given a full tour of the farm, starting with the garden. The tractor was in full gear, tilling up the soil in preparation for planting. The smell from the nutrient rich soil was a first-time experience for some. We also saw the seedlings that were started months ago in the greenhouse, what a temperature difference inside! The tour then took us to the animals; baby goats and cows were petted as we learning about the commitment it takes to harvest milk from animals but how fresh milk is so nutritious and versatile for other products. We are very grateful for the families of Mont Sentinel farms; they were amazing hosts and had so much knowledge to pass on. Thank you!
After a successful tour of both operations, it was amazing to see students who had never been to a landfill or touched a goat or been in a greenhouse learn in these moments. These experiences are so connected to living sustainably. Hopefully they keep these memories strong from Beyond Recycling and do small changes everyday to continue positive actions, in waste and food at least!
