New online Organic Materials Exchange offers free and low cost garden amendments
CAPITOLA, CA, FEBRUARY 21, 2007
The Resource Conservation District (RCD) of Santa Cruz County in partnership with local non-profit Ecology Action (EA) has launched the Organic Materials Exchange (www.ome.rcdsantacruz.org), a web site aimed at giving reusable organic materials a new life while reducing waste and improving water quality throughout the North and Central Coast Regions.
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| Tim Foley of Hollister shares his manure composting techniques during a local workshop. Tim's manure and compost are listed on the OME. |
A 2006 survey of local livestock owners indicated there is an abundance of horse manure that had the potential to be utilized by local gardeners but instead was being taken to the landfill. As a result, the Organic Materials Exchange (OME) web site was born. The OME brings to life the old adage that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Local residents looking to get rid of reusable organic waste (not just manure) can post the availability of their materials on the OME. To date, there are listings for manure, compost, wood chips and coffee grinds. To find their “treasures”, area gardeners and landscapers can search the database by item. While some producers charge for delivery or select products, the majority of listed materials are free. All items are produced locally, and in many cases are available for pickup or delivery in your own neighborhood.
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| Jennifer Stern helps Logan and Page Gruyes unload a delivery of wood chips that was diverted from local landfill and used as a mulch on a property in Felton. |
The benefits to our community of utilizing what would otherwise end up in the landfill includes: expanding the life of our landfills; lowering the potential for pollutants to enter nearby waterways; reducing emissions by finding materials in your own neighborhood; supporting local businesses and of course a well nourished and more abundant landscape! The site is available to resident on the North and Central Coast from San Luis Obispo to Sonoma County.
The Organic Materials Exchange doesn't just provide connections to products; it also provides resources and guidelines for creating and using these materials. The “Publications and Links” page has helpful articles and website links for information on composting, mulching and other useful tools. Additionally, one can find listings for composting workshops. With spring just around the corner now is the time to visit the OME to find or post that perfect treasure.
For more information please contact Angie Stuart, Program Coordinator for the Resource Conservation District at 831-464-2950 ext. 22 or ome@sccrcd.org. Or visit the Organic Materials Exchange at www.ome.rcdsantacruz.org for more information.