Yellowknife (Aug 25/06) - Think about the greenhouse next time you are tossing out your coffee grinds and egg shells. The Inuvik community greenhouse is looking for any food scraps that can be used as compost.

"Our plots are above ground, which means that we need to provide the soil with nutrients," said Kristen Wenghofer.

Greenhouse co-ordinator Kristen Wenghofer digs into a bin of compost outside of the greenhouse. The bins have been placed to organize waste, which is being used to enrich the soil after the growing season ends. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"The compost gives our soil more structure and means healthier plants."

Wenghofer is the greenhouse co-ordinator and is spearheading the compost initiative. Compost is made of organic material and is used as nutrition for soil, which is important for growers.

"We are always looking to add to our compost bins," she said.

The greenhouse has always had a compost program in place, utilizing grass clippings and other useable waste from the community.

Shell Canada recently donated $4,000 from their environmental funding program to the greenhouse for their compost awareness week.

"There is value in some of the items that people throw away," said Wenghofer.

The current bin system that sits behind the greenhouse was made by former co-ordinator Carrie Young.

"We made some signs to help with organizing the stages of composting," said Wenghofer.

The organic materials sit for a period of time and are mixed around once in a while to let air into the mixture.

"Rotating the mix is important because it allows airflow into the compost," said Wenghofer.

Wenghofer said that part of the idea for compost awareness week is to educate people about what is good for compost and what cannot be used.

"Most household foods, like eggs and coffee grinds are good for the compost," she said.

"Things like meats, fats, oils and bones cannot be used."