Worm Composting

...ears ago and found the process somewhat difficult. Unlike our present lazy composting methods, worm composting requires a certain amount of time and effort. When you start a worm composting system you are acquiring pets – worm pets, that need just the right amount of water (too much and they’ll drown, too little and they will be unhappy), and food (if all your meals are at In and Out Burger they won’t get enough grub or if you are some kind of hip...

Read…

Composting: Nothing is Wasted

...ity on the topic. I’d also recommend keeping your eye out for classes–free composting classes offered by various community agencies are pretty easy to come by, and sometimes they even come with free or discounted bins. As you get into it, you’ll find there are different styles of composting. Don’t let this confuse you or put you off. The most important thing to remember is that you can find a method that works for you. Don’t get hung up on looking...

Read…

Matching Your Waste Stream to Your Composting Method

...e day, building a large biodynamic compost pile, into a discussion of worm composting. Why? A few of the attendees lived in apartments or had very small yards. The type of composting your household does will be determined in part from how you manage your waste stream and what you intend to do with the compost. If you live in an apartment and just have a few house plants, a worm bin is going to be your best option. Even if you have a yard and a veg...

Read…

Composting the Deceased/ My DIY Funeral Fantasies

...le. The body is covered with a 1 foot layer of mixed greens and browns–the makings of compost. Then over that goes a massive pile of carbonaceous material (“browns”: dry leaves, wood shavings, etc.). This layer is to be 10 to 12 feet deep. Huge! It’s role is to absorb putrefying gases. Let the pile sit for two years. Every month or so, go out and sniff around. If you smell anything, add more carbon. I’d be tempted to use a thicker layer of compost...

Read…

Compost and Pharmaceuticals

...pharmaceuticals worse than others in terms of their ability to survive the composting process? If pharmaceuticals persist after composting do edible plants uptake them in sufficient quantities to effect humans? A look at what science has to say We really need a Root Simple research department! I was able to find a few studies that, at least partially, address these questions. If you know of more please leave a link in the comments. A 2010 study lo...

Read…