The project Composting: Nature’s Way of Recycling came about as a result of the survey carried out by researchers of the Institute of Social Ecology during the 3rd Summer School which took place on Samothraki in June 2016. Based on data collected through interviews with local authorities, fieldwork visits to waste collection areas and sampling of bins, a qualitative map of the flow of waste on the island was created. One of the main observations was the presence of a large amount of organic waste both in the recycling bins and in the mixed-waste bins.
On Samothraki waste is transported by ship to mainland Greece, at high cost to the local authorities. Through composting the volume of waste can be reduced considerably, therefore also reducing the cost of transportation.
In February 2018 the Sustainable Samothraki Association, in collaboration with the RE:THINK team from Kalamata, installed three large wooden composters at the primary schools of Kamariotissa and Lakkoma and at the youth center in Chora. Educators, pupils and parents were informed about composting and the correct usage of the RE:THINK composting bins. The project is complemented by educational games and activities designed by the Sustainable Samothraki team.
Since then the project has continued with full support from the association, and excellent collaboration with the primary schools. This has included supervision of the composting process, provision of little bins for the children to bring the material to the school composters, sifting the soil produced with the children and planting herbs in the school grounds using the compost produced.
For inquiries regarding the use of the compost bins, or any aspect of the project, contact Jacqueline Kirby, project coordinator.
Below you will find further material from the project:
- Information leaflet on composting (Greek)
- Educational game “Composting: Nature’s Way of Recycling” (Greek)
- Additional educational material with puzzles on compost (Greek)
- Results of the 3rd Summer School research on waste management on Samothraki
Contact details
Project coordinator | Evgenia Tsianou | evgetsianou@gmail.com
Local coordinator | Jacqueline Kirby | Facebook: Βιώσιμη Σαμοθράκη – Sustainable Samothraki
Partner | RE:THINK – Mirto Fifa | info@rethink-project.gr | Facebook: Re:Think – Αγρόκτημα Φυσικής Καλλιέργειας Φοίφα