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	Balestone . . . the house diary Composting & Worms Junk Mail Tree Project Feedback

Composting & Worms

Vermicomposting, or worm composting, is different than traditional composting. Right is a photo of a bin used for worm composting. Worm composting is a process that uses red earthworms, also commonly called redworms, to consume organic waste, producing castings (an odor- free compost product for use as mulch), soil conditioner, and topsoil additive. Naturally occurring organisms, such as bacteria and millipedes, also assist in the aerobic degradation of the organic material. Vermicomposting is especially useful for processing food scraps, since the worms consume the material quickly and there are fewer problems with odor. Worm composting does not generate temperatures high enough to kill pathogens. For this reason, vermicomposting is more appropriate for food, paper, and yard waste. Food scraps should be chopped or shredded for faster degradation. Unprocessed materials can be used in vermicomposting, but the time required for complete degradation of the organic waste is generally six months or longer. Vermicomposting does not require a specific carbon-to-nitrogen ratio like traditional aerobic composting methods. Article by compostguide.com. Article & Picture © Compost Guide. Article... »

Junk Mail Tree Project

Americans receive thousands of pieces of mail every year that literally goes from our mail boxes straight into the trash (or hopefully a recycle bin). Everyday we get mail that is never read or even look at. Imagine just how much energy is put into cutting down trees, making paper, printing each piece, carrying it in a mail truck to ultimately throwing it in the trash and then hauling it away in a garbage truck. So what can be done on your part? The Alliance for Sustainability has set up the Junk Mail Tree Project. Their program will help recycle the waste in a unique project that anyone can participate in. Check out their website to find out more. (They also have a link to help get you OFF the mailing lists.) Picture © Alliance for Sustainability The Junk Mail Tree Project... »

Feedback

Design Forward works toward promoting Sustainable Design. If you know of a project that should be featured, please contact us. Let us know why you think it should be featured and give us a basic intro to the project, the sustainable elements and any websites or contact information. If you would like to submit a fun and/or entertaining quote about architecture, building, or such, send it in! If it at all possible, include the author. If you have any other feedback concerning this publication, please feel free to send an email or use the form. Contact Form... »