MIDDLETON, Mass., May 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ferncroft Country Club this week became the first country club in the United States to implement a Zero Food Waste Initiative, adopting the innovative Japanese fermentation process "Bokashi."

"Our members, golf outing and wedding clients desire 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. "With Massachusetts contemplating a ban on commercial food waste in landfills, we're excited to be able to demonstrate leadership in bringing this to our members, and would love to see other private clubs follow suit."

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 will be used in a new organic vegetable and herb garden that Executive Chef Stephane Baloy will incorporate into Ferncroft's member and special event catering menus.

DeVito estimated Ferncroft's voluntary adoption of the Zero Food Waste Initiative would divert more than four tons of food waste from landfills to the new garden. 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.

Affinity has partnering with the non-profit Rock 'n Renew, which introduced them to the practice of bokashi. Rock 'n Renew has formed a comprehensive network of over 250 schools worldwide, and will help Ferncroft with 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.

www.ferncroftcc.com

CONTACT: Jon Tapper
 (617) 292-0051 (Office)
jtapper@melwoodglobal.com

SOURCE Ferncroft Country Club