I wrote a powerpoint presentation for a Master Gardener Stay in Place workshop. You can find it here on Slide Share: https://www.slideshare.net/AlexArciniega1/how-to-start-worm-composting
Worm composting with preschoolers
About three months ago we donated some red wigglers to Grandview Preschool. I have sadly been too wrapped up with work to tend to them as well as I should have. The good news is that it’s been rather chilly and the worms do well with this type of weather.
I asked the kids to feed the worms, we gave them some food that was in my fridge a little too long and I hope to be able to repurpose any leftover food and give them to our wiggly buddies. The long term goal is to have the preschool incorporate the chickens that they keep and the worms into their ecosystem of food waste. For now, we will take baby steps until the kids and teachers become acclimated to the changes.
Here is more information on red worm composting: https://unclejimswormfarm.com/red-worms-eat-compost/
Attempting Zero Waste at LAUSD school
I teach gardening education at a LAUSD school, and although everyone means well and wants to help, I’ve only had 2 parents volunteer. I think part of the challenge lies in wanting to help but not knowing how to get there. For instance, composting, where to start? we know where we need to end up but starting the collection and changing behavior is a completely different beast. It’s even harder when not all folks have the same desired goal to get it going – priorities are just different for some folks, unfortunately.
This week felt like a big win. I recently started the master gardener program and have been connecting with great people from different organizations. I came across Seeds of Hope and they work with other non-profits to get food into the hands of those who need it. Please check them out, they also grow their own food to supplement what they give out.
So back to organizing a campus… we set up a disassembly line at the lunch break. Breaking out food that is in good condition and can be donated, recyclable items, compost and waste. Previously, we trashed everything – now we are collecting the compostable food trays (which can also be recycled).
I asked the lunch manager for some help with ice, unfortunately we didn’t have any but he did me a true solid and handed me an insulated bag for food. I drove to Echo Park to drop it off and the group kindly accepted my donation. It would be nice to have a system to drop off the food. I must admit I cried from the sheer exhaustion of getting 10 people to work together in training kids. I hope this is the first of many days when we get to reduce food from the landfill into the hands of those who need it the most.
Composting at an Elementary School
Over the last few months, I’ve been composting at Micheltorena Elementary. I work as a school garden ranger, and people drop off compost. I turn the pile, get the kids involved and discuss nitrogen and carbon balance.
The hardest thing to accept has been, why won’t the school compost? I’ve been looking at the lunch menu and although not all the items can be broken down, some can be.
I often teach kids about growing our own food, permaculture, sustainability and zero-waste but all of that is pointless is we don’t teach by doing.
As of last week, I’ve been able to work hand-in-hand with the principal at this school to establish a small, 5-gallon compost bucket. Disclaimer, I work for Enrich LA, and this is an initiative for us as employees. My challenge isn’t the support, believe me I have it, but I need to figure out ways to get other people truly excited and engaged in this next endeavor.
I’m attaching a file, with my plans on what I intend to do, and what has been implemented – in hopes that it will inspire you or inspire others to take the leap and compost at your neighborhood school.
We are in the implementation phase, so far we’ve collected a few pounds of organic waste. We’ve added it to the pile and used the paper plates (non-waxed) to balance the nitrogen and carbon.
I’ve included some pictures here, but the value is in the plan. Please credit me if you’d like to use it.
