FCC FIRST IN THE NATION TO ADOPT UNIQUE ZERO FOOD WASTE INITIATIVE

MIDDLETON, Mass.—Ferncroft Country Club was the first country club in the United States to implement a Zero Food Waste Initiative using an innovative Japanese fermentation process called Bokashi.

“Our members, golf outing and wedding clients wanted to see us build upon the sustainable practices we have embraced in the past,” said Damon DeVito, the managing director of Affinity Management, which owns Ferncroft. “At the time, the Commonwealth was contemplating a ban on commercial food waste in landfills, and we were excited to be able to get ahead of the curve, demonstrate leadership in bringing this to our members, and show that it's a sustainable business and environmental practice that other private clubs can follow.”

Bokashi is a composting practice that uses fermentation to break down all food scraps – including meat and dairy – in less than half the time of conventional composting. At the same time, it eliminates unpleasant odors and deters pests. It results in a natural fertilizer that is being used in an organic vegetable and herb garden that Ferncroft's Executive Chef incorporates into the Club's member and special event catering menus.

DeVito estimated Ferncroft’s voluntary adoption of the Zero Food Waste Initiative has diverted more than four tons of food waste from landfills per year. With more than 4,400 private clubs in the U.S., if every country club were to follow Ferncroft, an estimated 13,000 tons of waste could be recycled each year.

Affinity partnered with non-profit Rock ‘n Renew, who introduced them to the practice of bokashi. Rock ‘n Renew has formed a comprehensive network of over 250 schools worldwide, and works with Ferncroft on ongoing environmental educational opportunities.

Established in 1970, Ferncroft Country Club, located 20 miles north of Boston in Middleton, blends a rich heritage of golfing excellence, top notch dining and preeminent service in a family-friendly, first-class private club. Ferncroft hosted the LPGA’s Boston Five Classic from 1980-90 on its Robert Trent Jones, Sr.-designed championship golf course.

Affinity Management has advised, managed and owned private clubs, golf courses, equestrian facilities and other member-based businesses in more than two dozen states.

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