Batch 2 is Cooking – Green SXM Pilot Compost Project: Month 3

After a quiet July, August was a busy month for the Green SXM Pilot Compost Project.   The first batch of compost has been almost entirely used up, and chamber 1 of the composter is now full with batch 2.  Once again, the compost is hot (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit) , and aerated using forced air from a blower, reducing the frequency of turning the pile.

The second batch is full, and composting nicely at a steady 150 degrees Fahrenheit
Green SXM Pilot Compost Project – The second batch is full, and composting nicely at a steady 150 degrees Fahrenheit

Continue reading “Batch 2 is Cooking – Green SXM Pilot Compost Project: Month 3”

Wynd Air Purifier

Meet Wynd – a small consumer air purifier and PM2.5 sensor.

We’ve been testing it out with the Sahara dust over the last few months and it has been reasonably accurate – following the trends in the particulate count predicted on the Windy app and those reported by the Met offices in Martinique, Guadeloup, and Puerto Rico.

For most of the past few months, we have had many days where Wynd has measured moderate to unhealthy levels of PM2.5 due to the increased dust.  Sahara dust can be an irritant to sensitive individuals or those with Asthma and other lung issues.

St maarten has a poorly managed garbage dump in the great salt pond, bordering it’s capital, Philipsburg. On the 7th of August 2018 the St Maarten garbage dump erupted into flames once again.  What made this fire unique was low winds, low levels of Sahara dust, and dry clear weather – all good circumstances for comparing the PM2.5 levels in various areas.

Screenshots from the Wynd app:

Wynd AQI score
9th August 2018.
Guana Bay / Sucker Garden Rd – SMMC Cay Hill – ACE Cole Bay. This is not standing in the actual cloud of smoke, but the scent of the acrid smoke is detectable.

Continue reading “Wynd Air Purifier”

The Garbage Dump

St Maarten, we have a garbage problem.  The St Maarten garbage dump is a dangerous eyesore and the toxic mess frequently catches fire – polluting our air and shutting our businesses & schools.

It is the duty of government to find a long term cohesive solution for waste management and recycling in general for SXM.
While there are many politically based arguments as to why St Maarten cannot find a solution for the dump; we can’t blame the government in its entirety as this is also OUR garbage, and therefore also OUR problem.

Which is Our Future? A Great Salt Pond filled with garbage, or a Great Salt Pond where pelicans can thrive?
Which is Our Future? A Great Salt Pond filled with garbage, or a Great Salt Pond where pelicans can thrive? Pelican photo by Seagrape Tours

Continue reading “The Garbage Dump”