Sustainability

Compost Palace Project and Ongoing Food Waste Reduction Efforts

We are excited to share the continued progress of our Compost Palace project at Marion Cross School, which is moving forward thanks to the hard work and dedication of our community. This new outdoor composting facility will not only serve as a hands-on learning space for students but will also play a key role in furthering our efforts to reduce food waste and promote sustainability.

This project builds on the ongoing work being done by the MCS Environmental Club and our 5th and 6th grade students, who have already made great strides in composting and food waste reduction. We are grateful to the students and staff for their commitment, which has been essential in allowing us to participate in the Upper Valley Sustainability Collaborative Program (UVSCP). Without this foundational work, we would not have been eligible for the program, which has been an important part of expanding our sustainability efforts.

The Compost Palace will be an integral part of our school’s environmental education, offering students a space to learn about composting, sustainability, and waste reduction. The concrete foundation has already been completed, and construction is moving ahead with building materials arriving and site leveling scheduled for Monday. Following the holiday break, work will continue on the 16’ x 20’ pavilion and three compost bins that will make up the facility.

This new space will significantly increase our composting capacity. Previously, we were only able to process about 10 gallons (or approximately 80 lbs) of selected waste per week—about 1/8 of the total food waste produced on campus. With the Compost Palace, we will be able to compost all food waste generated at MCS, creating rich compost that can be used to enrich the school’s garden and grounds. This initiative aligns closely with the goals of the SAU 70 Climate Action Plan, reinforcing our district’s commitment to teaching sustainable practices and empowering students to take an active role in environmental stewardship. A huge thank you goes to Cat Buxton, Chrissy Morley, and Devin Burkhart for their dedication and tireless efforts in making this project a reality. Their leadership has been invaluable, and we are excited to see the project come to life.

We are looking forward to seeing the Compost Palace completed and ready for use by our students. This project represents a wonderful opportunity for the entire school community to engage in meaningful environmental education and action.