Smart Ranger

Composting

Composting is nature’s way of recycling organic matter. It is a process whereby; biodegrable organic matter is broken down by microorganisms in the presence of oxygen. The product of this process is compost, which benefits the environment as a natural fertilizer for gardening and farming. By recycling the organic material, valuable nutrients and organic matter are recycled, hence, alleviating the solid waste problem.

The formula for composting : 

There are three ways of composting :

 A) The first one is  Compost Pit. This is the correct way to do Compost Pit:-

1.  Dig two pits (3ft x 3ft x 3ft). The pits should be situated in a place exposed to sun and air.
2. Put small twigs at the bottom and place a hollow tube for air circulation.
3. Place the kitchen waste or food scraps into the pit and cover with sufficient soil to ensure that no odour comes out from the pits.
4. Repeat the process until the pit is full.   

Notes: -Do not compact the soil but allow it to loosely cover the content of the pit and ensure that the soil adequately covers the kitchen waste.

           - Decomposition will take place within 3 to 4 weeks for small pits and 3 to 4 months for big pits.

           -To test if the compost is done, scoop a little portion from the top of the pit and if no foul odour emanates from it, decomposition is complete and it is ready for use.  

B) The second way is Flowering Pot Composting . This is the correct way to do it :-

 

1. Lay a layer of gravel or stones at the bottom of the pot for aeration. 
2. Put a layer of soil (about 2 inches) on top of it.  
3. Put in green materials and cover loosely with a layer of soil. 
4. For the next layer, put in brown materials and cover loosely with a layer of soil. At every layer that is covered up by soil make sure to water it (damp). 
5. Do this alternately until the pot is full  and move to the next pot.    
   

 Notes: - During the decomposition process, make sure your compost is moist and well aerated. Oxygen is  important for your compost in order to avoid the anaerobic process from taking place.
           -Once in a while, try to fork some holes into your compost as this allows aeration.
          -there should not be any bad odour during the process except for an earthy/natural scent.
          -The compost will be ready for use in 4 to 6 months.

C) The last one is Plastic Bag Composting. The correct way of doing it is :-

1. Punch hole in plastic bags (for aeration).
2. Put a layer of soil at the bottom and alternate your brown materials until it is full.  
3. Tie the bags neatly and hang with hooks on fences or stacked up neatly. 

Notes:-Remember to keep contents moist. Compost will be ready for use in 4 -5 weeks.

Managing Solid Waste 

The right way to manage our solid waste is by using this formula "4R 2C" which stand for Rethink,Reduce,Reuse,Recycle, Compose, Close The Loop . By using this formula, we can dispose our solid waste the right way .

The Right Way To Recycle

 The thing that can be recycle are:

The correct way to recycle Aluminium Can :

The correct way to recycle Glass :

 The correct way to recycle Tetrapak :

  The correct way to recycle Metal Tin and Can:

 The correct way to recycle Plastic Bottle:

The correct way to recycle Paper:

WHAT GENERALLY CANNOT BE RECYCLED?

Styrofoam (The technology for recycling styrofoam is currently exist but not in Malaysia. Therefore, it is still best not to buy or use styrofoam to pack food. Styrofoam contains styrene molecules which can leach into your food and disrupt the endocrine system and cause hormonal inbalances. It is also carcinogenic. ), Plastic container without label number 1, 2, and 4

Training of Trainer Smart Ranger.

On 11^th  and 12th of June, Smart Ranger held a program at Dewan Sri Pinang,Penang. This program was held to educate us to manage our waste.

On 11th June,we arrived at Dewan Sri Pinang at 8.00 a.m.We were served with delicious breakfast. The program started at 9.30 a.m.We had a short briefing about the program by Ms.Jagedeswari. Then we continue the program with our first module. Then we continue with second and third module. The we went for lunch.We were served with mouth-watering food.After having lunch,we enter the ballroom and we are divide in five group for debate activity. The groups are Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) ,Non-Goverment Organization (NGO) ,Villagers,Urban Communities,Waste Disposal Service.

On 12th June,we reached Dewan Sri Pinang at 8.11 a.m.We were again served with another delicious meal.We were briefed about the Hands-On activity. After that,we did the hands-on activity successfully. The activity is quite fun because we can learn something new.Than we have a short break,we are served with delicious lunch.Then a PBT officer to came and explain to us about their work scope.Then we were given opportunity to ask the PBT officer anything that we are suspicious of.Before the closing ceremony,we answer few question and are given gift we answer is accurately.After that they give present to who had won the debate and won the hands-on activity.Lastly,we were given last words by Dr.Khalihasan.

Picture can be seen in snap gallery  :)

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THANKS FOR READING ^_^

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