3rd grader Malaya helps the San Francisco Department of the Environment launch a campaign to increase composting in the Bayview

The San Francisco Department of the Environment (SF Environment) awarded Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary School third grader Malaya for her outstanding poster art, promoting use of the green composting bin. Sister Lynette Owens-Muhammad, Malaya’s teacher, was also awarded.

Students and teachers in the Bayview neighborhood’s public schools were asked to develop a poster that can be displayed throughout the community to demonstrate and promote the correct way to use the green composting bin, as part of SF Environment’s newest outreach campaign in the Bayview. SF Environment was happy to award her for her outstanding art and for her enthusiasm about using the green composting bin.

This morning, students at Dr. George Washington Carver Elementary were excited by a surprise visitor at their morning assembly: Phoebe the Phoenix, SF Environment’s school education mascot. Phoebe thanked the students for recycling and composting at their school, and presented the awards to Malaya and Sister Owens-Muhammad.

“San Francisco is leading the nation by recycling and composting 80% of our waste. Our goal is zero waste by 2020; a date which is fast approaching” said Melanie Nutter, Director of SF Environment. “Our department has launched a campaign in the Bayview which utilizes every educational tool we have to help each resident and business participate in achieving zero waste."

This Saturday is the Annual Great Compost Giveaway. Residents from all over San Francisco can pick up some finished compost made from our city’s green bin collection program to use on their plants or garden. Bring your own bucket and receive up to 10 gallons.

WHEN: Saturday, April 6, 2013, 8 a.m. to Noon, Rain or Shine     

WHERE: Available at three locations:

• McLaren Park: Jerry Garcia Amphitheater Parking Lot (John F. Shelley Dr. at Mansell St.)
• Ocean Beach Parking Lot (850 Great Highway between Lincoln Way and Fulton St.)
• Recology Golden Gate (900 7th @ Berry St. Enter on Berry St.)