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Macalester College |
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Composting Composting is the simple process of encouraging the decomposition of food or yard scraps. One key aspect of this process is that it allows for a “closed loop” of food waste rather than a throw “away” process. Food scraps are turned into rich organic materials that are used to grow more food (or other) plants and the scraps can be composted again. Composting has many styles, which vary based on the user and the goals. Two common goals are waste reduction and production of rich material for gardening. Our Role The EcoHouse project incorporates composting into the daily life of house residents and will investigate and evaluate different bins and techniques to see what works best. Expanding and promoting composting in communities and homes is a central goal. Worm Compost Bin
The house currently uses a vermiculture or worm-composting bin to compost our food scraps. In cold climates like Minnesota, worm composting is especially useful, because the indoor bin allows for year round operation. Worm composting produces very high quality finished product or “worm castings” as well as worm tea that is a great additive for plants. When managed well, a worm bin produces hardly any odor. Taking a trip to the basement once or twice a week to feed your "worm friends" can be a pleasant and even exciting activity, to see how they are all doing! The EcoHouse owns a stacking tray-style worm-composting bin called "The Worm Factory." It is an easy to use system that is sized to meet the needs of a four-person family. It is an "upward migration" system because its stack of mesh-bottomed trays allow the worms to move upward as they eat, leaving the bottom trays of finished compost. It also has a spigot that allows for water drainage for "worm tea," which can be used to fertilize plants. For more information check the resources section below. Outdoor Earth Machine [Info and Pic Needed From Eco-residents] Budget The Worm Factory unit - $ 87.00 Click here for Resources.
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