#composting

The 7 R’s of Sustainability:

Did you know that ‘recycling’ is step 6 of the 7 Rs of sustainability? The other R’s are just as important even if they are often forgotten.

Rethink- Do I really need to buy this? The point of this step is to stop and think.

Refuse- Does this product damage the environment? If so, refuse to spend your money on it. i.e. single use plastics, harsh chemicals

Reduce- How much of this do I really need? Buy less! Buy in bulk when you can as it often equals less packaging to throw out.

Reuse- Can I use this product again? Can I fix what I have so that I don’t need to buy something new? Reuse that plastic water bottle a few times. And instead of buying new, try thrift shopping, flea markets, yard sales etc.

Repurpose- Unlimited creativity! Does this item have another use? i.e. old torn clothes can be rags or plastic cups can be planters.

Recycle- Can I recycle this? Not everything can be. There are also some important steps to making sure your recycling is done properly. If unsure, look up local recycling regulations.

Rot- Can I compost this? Food waste, yard clippings, newspapers and many other items can be composted instead of being tossed in the trash. Composting is surprisingly simple and helps reduce harmful greenhouse gasses from entering the atmosphere.

What is the point of the R’s? The number one benefit of the 7 R’s are the reduction of the amount of waste sent to incinerators and landfills. The EPA website provides a lot of useful information. Other benefits that we can reap from implementing these concepts in our life are (as listed on the EPA website): • Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials • Saves energy from not making a new product • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change • Helps sustain the environment and natural resources for future generations • Saves money from processing our waste • Increases economic security by tapping a domestic source of materials • Helps create jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries in the United States

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1. Promising breakthrough creates plastics that self-deconstruct on cue

“[Researchers have] developed a new molecular structure for plastic, inspired by nature, that allows it to self-deconstruct at the end of a product’s lifespan. In fact, researchers say that a timely programmable breakdown date can even be built into future plastic products. […] But it’s not always possible to predict in advance when you’ll want plastic to break down. So, the researchers have also designed mechanisms into the new plastics to trigger self-deconstruction on demand.”

2. 2 'Lazarus' animals thought to be extinct for over 7,000 years found alive in New Guinea

“Two marsupial species thought long extinct, until now known only from fossils, were found alive in New Guinea through a collaboration of scientists, indigenous communities and citizen scientists. […] Indigenous communities in the Tambrauw and Maybrat areas of West Papua aided the scientists with identification work through their knowledge of the marsupial’s “unique” lifestyle[….] Carlos Bocos, a citizen scientist who is now a co-author on the study, [had] posted photos of the animal on iNaturalist[….]”

3. Powerful new rooftop solar panel promises system sizes “previously out of reach”

“[The newly approved module] at up to 545 watts adds an extra 24 per cent of generating capacity above the average rooftop module[….] It also means that smaller systems can still use fewer panels, which gives installers more flexibility – and provide a better aesthetics[….] Fewer modules mean reduced racking, wiring, and installation time, Aiko says.”

4. New Mexico Legislative Session Ends with Significant Investments in Rivers and Habitat

“[The state budget] includes a $13 million dollar appropriation for the River Stewardship Program, and a $10 million dollar appropriation for the Strategic Water Reserve. [...] 80% of New Mexico’s at-risk bird species are completely riparian-dependent, so these programs are essential for ensuring those birds and the places they need are intact.”

5. In Malawi, farmers rebuild soil and livelihoods through agroecology

““The farmers are currently cutting on cost of fertilizer by over 40% while yielding between 30 and 40 bags of 50 kilograms [110 pounds] of maize per acre, proving agroecology as a sustainable and cost-efficient way to food production,” Chikoko says. […] At the district level, agricultural authorities are increasingly recognizing agroecology as a climate adaptation strategy. […] As a sustainability measure, Chikoko says SPRODETA has constructed a seed bank to preserve local seeds.”

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How to Make a Homemade Vermicomposter

Materials Needed:

Three durable plastic totes (preferably Roughneck brand for their durability)

One lid for the totes

A cooler drain or similar item for drainage

Drill with a quarter-inch bit

Bricks or blocks for elevation

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Preparation of Totes:

Start by drilling quarter-inch holes across the bottom of two totes. These holes are crucial for allowing worms to move between layers and for drainage.

Additionally, drill holes around the upper edges of these totes to provide adequate aeration.

2. Setting Up the Drainage System:

The bottom tote will act as your drainage collector. Here, you will need to install the cooler drain. Make sure to place it on the recessed side of the tote for effective drainage.

The drilled holes will allow excess liquid, also known as ‘worm tea’, to drain out, which can be used as a nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer.

3. Assembling the Vermicomposter:

Stack the two drilled totes above the drainage tote. These will serve as the living quarters for your worms and the composting area.

The worms and compost material will go into the top tote initially.

4. Transferring the Worms:

Carefully transfer your worms into the top tote, along with their current bedding and food scraps.

As the top tote gets filled with worm castings, shift it to the middle, making the newly top tote the active composting layer.

5. Maintenance and Harvesting:

Continue adding kitchen scraps and bedding to the new top layer. The worms will migrate upwards towards the new food source, leaving behind rich compost in the lower tote.

Once a tote is full of castings and devoid of worms, it can be emptied into your garden.

Regularly check the bottom tote for worm tea and use it as a liquid fertilizer in your garden.

6. Elevating the System: