Trident Academy's Ecology Club has been awarded more than $3,200 in grants to fund projects relating to recycling and the environment. The 20-member club, comprised of sixth, seventh and eighth-grade students, is launching several projects this month.

The students have started vermicomposting the scraps from the cafeteria to reduce waste to landfills. Vermicomposting is the process of composting using worms to break-down food waste into nutrient-rich organic fertilizer. The project is funded through an S.C. DHEC Recycling Education Grant for nearly $1,000. The Ecology Club is hoping to make vermicomposting a yearly project.

Later this month, a 'No-Idle Zone' will be established at the school using a Charleston County Project Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) grant. Students will create signs and encourage parents to turn off their cars as they wait to pick-up students at the end of the day.

'These students have been so creative in coming up with ways to help the environment,' says Teacher Robin Greig. 'I think they are really making a difference and encouraging other students, teachers and parents to consider their actions.'

Trident Academy also received a $2,000 'Champions of the Environment' grant from S.C. DHEC to fund other projects relating to protecting the environment.

For more information, contact Robin Greig at 843.884.7046.