When we think about waste reduction and management, our minds tend to go straight to recycling.
Unfortunately, some of the things that end up in our trash bins arent exactly recyclable.
But, at least in the case of organic waste, vermicomposting may be a viable solution.
However, that approach doesnt take into account the waste that cant be repurposed.
Just look at the amount of food waste that ends up clogging landfills around the world.
On the one hand, consumers are essentially throwing money down the drain.
But the fact that organic waste is a huge contributor toglobal warmingis even more disturbing.
After all, your leftovers dont just melt into the ground once they reach landfills.
Like any other organic matter, they release greenhouse gases as they deteriorate.
A years worth offood waste in the USproduces about the same amount of greenhouse gases as 37 million cars.
With all that in mind, scientists have identified several strategies that can avert food waste from landfills.
At the same time, we need to invest in technology that will useorganic materials to createbiofuel.
But for now, composting is the best solution we have for these kinds of materials.
The resulting fertilizer can then be used to enrich thesoil in your garden.
Unfortunately, many people arent aware of just how easy composting really is.
Thats why weve decided to walk you through the whole process.
However, the taller bin that will sit inside the bottom one will need a lid.
Thats where youll keep the worms and dispose of the organic materials such as food waste.
An 18-gallon tub should do the trick.
Youll need two holes on opposite sides of the bucket about two inches from the top.
Lastly, use waterproof glue to attach bits of plastic screening over the holes you made.
You dont want to let the worms escape.
The top holes will let air into the bucket while the bottom ones provide drainage.
Once the glue youve applied cures, get your hands on some paper and a pound of soil.
Ideally, the paper you use should be plain, not shiny.
Additionally, you should avoid colored paper if possible.
after you grab a good amount, rip it up into tiny pieces and soak it in water.
In the end, you should be able to cover the bottom three inches of your tub.
The mixture should be pretty damp when you finally drop the worms in.
To be safe, you could always stick tored wigglers, which are a particularly efficient species for composting.
If you cant find a local supplier, order some online.
Just avoid giving the worms animal by-products like meat, bone, fat, and dairy.
When that happens, take out the offending scraps and consider why the worms havent eaten them.
Scatter a handful of damp shredded paper inside the hole before tossing the food scraps into it.
Before you exit the lid, cover the food with more paper and soil for good measure.
That should prevent the waste from attractingfruit flies.
At that point, youll be able to start using its contents to fertilize your garden orindoor plants.
That should allow you to enter the soil on the other side of the tub more easily.
That liquid is a potent fertilizer on its own.
it’s possible for you to sprinkle it on your plants every other month or so.
