Free workshop on vermicomposting coming November 11 – learn to produce the world’s best soil amendment, help to save the planet and have fun doing it
Readers of the Triangle Blog Blog likely know that if we tree huggers had put more emphasis on political change starting 50 years ago (in addition to recycling beer bottles and such) we wouldn’t be in the deep do do that we’re in now with climate change. We still need to advocate for political change at the national and state level. But we also can do whatever we can to decrease green house gases directly.
Twenty-one percent of the stuff that goes into our landfills is food scraps. There, without oxygen, they produce methane which has 20-28 times the negative effect on climate change as carbon dioxide – the most well known bad boy of the green house effect. Food waste accounts for 8% of global greenhouse emissions. Dealing with food waste is where we as individuals and neighborhoods can have a direct positive effect on climate.
Of all the approaches we have, vermicomposting (composting using worms) is the best for preventing methane release from landfills. Vermicompost, the world’s best soil amendment, improves the health of our soils and ecosystems, the quality and affordability of our food and, our own health.
We, of the Carrboro Vermicomposting Project, funded by the Carrboro Green Neighborhoods Grant Program, have set out to promote vermicomposting by offering free workshops and follow-up and ongoing consultation. All are invited. For Carrboro residents, worms and worm bins will be offered on a sliding scale.
The Carrboro Vermicomposting Project was started by a group of concerned neighbors who have been developing vermicomposting kitchen scraps for our 46 households for over 9 years. We are now ready to share what we’ve learned on an individual and neighborhood level. Starting neighborhood programs are important because of potential for a multiplier effect. It can start with just one neighbor asking another neighbor for their kitchen scraps.
Our long term goal is to form a coalition of “household worm farmers” who will keep the program improving and expanding after the grant period. This organization will provide introductory workshops, training, support, networking, continuing education and on-line access to trusted resources. Worms can double their numbers in 3 months; when members have excess worms they can share with others. The gift is not insignificant; enough worms to start a worm bin now go for $45.
Vermicomposting can be done indoors or outside. Any odor is mild and earthy. It’s fun; it’s easy. With proper prep they can be left on their own for as much as a month – no need for worm sitters! For many reasons vermicompost is much better than conventional compost. It’s a great hobby for kids – good for getting them interested in both biology and ecology. If you have no use for the vermicompost you can share it with a friend or neighbor or a community garden.
Our first workshop will be on November 11 at 2:00pm. There will be an introductory workshop, a break with snacks and a training workshop—should be 2 1/2 – 3 hours total. We will have fun. If you’re just interested in learning and not doing you need not stay for the second workshop. Worms and bins will be available for purchase.
You can register for workshops or get questions answered at: [email protected] include your name, address and phone number. Our Instagram: @workingwormsnc. If you want to get involved right away we really need help organizing – please get in touch.
