What’s the perfect factor to do with meals waste? Feed the worms.
That’s exactly what Michael Sessler’s science college students at Stanley Switlik Elementary Faculty have been doing — and the outcomes are blooming.
In October, the varsity launched a worm composting undertaking to sort out meals waste from the cafeteria. The objective is to cut back what leads to the landfill and present college students how waste will be recycled into one thing extraordinary.
By January, the scholars had a wealthy provide of worm castings — often known as worm poop — prepared to reap. These nutrient-packed castings have been added to the varsity’s raised backyard beds, serving to develop a vibrant mixture of greens and herbs.
“Worm castings are like gold for vegetation,” stated Sessler. “They’re stuffed with vitamins that assist our backyard thrive — and all of it got here from meals we didn’t throw away.”
This hands-on science undertaking is a wonderful instance of a round meals waste cycle, by which waste is remodeled right into a priceless useful resource as a substitute of being despatched to the landfill.
From worms to gardens … to pickles
The backyard is prospering, and the scholars are harvesting greater than science expertise. With their recent cucumbers rising, the category is taking their undertaking to the subsequent stage: making pickles.
College students are studying how compost helps wholesome vegetation and the right way to protect meals, scale back waste and benefit from the tasty rewards of their arduous work.
What are you able to feed the worms?
Wish to attempt worm composting at house or in your classroom? Feed your worms:
- Uncooked fruit and vegetable scraps.
- Egg shells.
- Espresso grounds and filters.
- Tea baggage.
Keep away from feeding them meat, dairy or oily meals — these can upset the worm bin.
Don’t ship meals waste to the landfill
Composting with worms doesn’t simply educate children about science; it additionally builds environmental consciousness and encourages habits that assist a more healthy planet.
So subsequent time you peel a banana or crack an egg, suppose like a Switlik pupil: Feed the worms — and develop one thing lovely. And perhaps … even make pickles!
Keep watch over the Monroe County occasions calendar for composting workshops all through the Keys. The following occasion, a DIY worm composting bin workshop, is about for Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the Banyan Tree in Islamorada. Learn the way compost helps a wholesome backyard — organically — when you store.