We've received additional funding from ChangeX for our pollinator garden and composting project. We invite you to follow us on our new project page at https://www.changex.org/us/project/montclair-library-pollinator-garden-project

We have a new compost volunteer! I wonder what this sprout will grow up to be? One of the wonderful things about composting is that often seeds that we discard sprout into a new plant.

Do you have questions about composting? The Virginia Cooperative Extension has local expert Master Gardener volunteers who answer your horticultural and environmental questions. Year round, call the Extension Horticulture Help Desk at 703-792-7747. Visit their website to learn more:
pwcva.gov/department/virginia-cooperative-extension/extension-horticulture-help-desk

Prince William Public Libraries omposts at a number of our library branches. We also have books about composting for all ages. Browse in non-fiction under the call number 631.875 or search our catalog for the keyword "composting". We also have many learning resources in our Digital Library.
pwcva.gov/library

This little red compost container was created by local artist Sharie Boyle for the Montclair Library staff to compost from our lunch boxes. We've have been faithfully composting our banana peels and coffee grounds, but we had to take the compost home to dump it. Now thanks to our colleagues at Prince William County, we have this beautiful and sturdy outdoor compost bin so that we can compost food scraps on-site. We have a new pollinator garden, too! Not only are we reducing what we send to the landfill, but we are also making good soil that we can put back into the garden. Stop by the library to see what's blooming!

Our daily routines can have a huge environmental impact over time, for the good or the bad. Over one year ago, the staff of Montclair Library chose to put organic trash in a small compost container rather than the trash can. We have a simple 2 container system. One is placed next to the trash can until it is filled. 2 staff members take turns switching the full container for the empty one. They take the compost home and empty into a compost bin. We generate about 1 pound of compost per week. That's 52 pounds per year that do not go into the landfill. We are also raising awareness about how easy composting is and showing how much "trash" we can turn into beneficial soil. No matter your living or working space, you CAN compost. We rescued our containers from the recycle bin so this is a no cost approach. Give composting a try!

Here is another recycling idea: Old book covers, book pages, and a cute pattern to make a picture

Don't let your winter wonderland stop you from composting. The colder months slow the process, but there is usually enough heat to keep those micro-organisms working their magic. As warmer temperatures return, everything will kick into high gear again. The extension office of the University of New Hampshire has some great tips for winter composting. Let's reduce organic waste going to our landfills and make good soil. https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2020/11/can-you-compost-winter

Composting is one way to reduce landfill waste. UPCYCLING is another approach we can take to get closer to zero waste. There are so many cool ideas for making functional fun out of items you probably already have around the house. I stumbled upon this "DIY Holiday Gift Boxes" program at Montclair Library. You can create a decorated box that you can keep or use for gift giving. Supplies provided while they last through December. Browse the non-fiction section under 745.5 for more upcycling idea books.

Do you enjoy gardening? Here's your chance to learn from local gardening experts about the importance and beauty of native plants. Get gardening tips, share available resources, and participate in a Q&A on Saturday, September 11, 11:00 a.m. in the Montclair Community Room! 5049 Waterway Dr, Dumfries, VA. Drop-in.

Thanks to Rich Riedel and Freestate Farms (freestatefarmsva.com) for hosting Team "Compost Montclair" for a tour of the Balls Ford Composting Facility, a public-private partnership with Prince William County. It was incredible to see how they process incoming "browns and greens" and transform it into tons of black gold compost. They accept residential and commercial drop off of compostable materials. Due to their accelerated composting process, they can accept dairy, eggs, meat and seafood, things not typically added to a residential compost bin. It is an incredible operation that is having a huge positive impact in our region to reduce waste unnecessarily going to the landfill and transforming it into beneficial soil for the health of our community. Check out this video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7afArNYEBo0

Balls Ford Composting Facility here we come! If you are interested in joining our tour on Tuesday, August 24, 9:00 a.m., please email [email protected]. Let's see first hand how Prince William County and Freestate Farms work in collaboration to make 80,000 tons of compost per year!