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Vermicomposting in the Residence Halls: Stories from the Worm Keepers

Vermicomposting in the Residence Halls: Stories from the Worm Keepers. Maren Stumme-Diers Sustainability Coordinator Luther College. Project Outline. Gauge student interest Research options Seek ideas/feedback Secure funding (worms, bins) Identify and train worm keepers

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Vermicomposting in the Residence Halls: Stories from the Worm Keepers

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  1. Vermicomposting in the Residence Halls: Stories from the Worm Keepers Maren Stumme-Diers Sustainability Coordinator Luther College

  2. Project Outline Gauge student interest Research options Seek ideas/feedback Secure funding (worms, bins) Identify and train worm keepers Make and distribute bins Publicize Compost Harvest castings

  3. Vermicomposting Video

  4. Addressing Concerns • “Who will take care of the bin” • “What happens if it smells?” • “Will the worms escape?” • “Who will take the bins over the Summer?”

  5. Key Conversations • Custodians in the Residence Halls • Hall Directors/Resident Assistants • Students • Local experts

  6. Materials • Worms • Happy D Ranch in California • 10 lbs = $190 (This covered our 7 bins) • Population doubles in 3-6 months • Bins • Rubbermaid Containers • Small vs. Large? • Drill holes for ventilation • Bedding • Shredded documents • Old Newspapers

  7. Feeding the Worms~ 1lb. Food/1lb. Worms per day~ Worms Like: Worms Don’t Like: Meat or Bones Fats Dairy Very spicy foods Glossy paper Large amounts of citrus, hot peppers, onions or garlic Liquids Processed Foods • Vegetable/Fruit scraps • Shredded newspaper • Coffee Grounds • Eggshells • Dryer lint • Plain pasta or rice • Plain bread

  8. Implementation • Identified 7 Locations • Put together bins • Training • Worm keepers • RAs • Daily maintenance • Weekly check-ins • Summer care

  9. Lessons Learned • Large bins get heavy! • Most successful in house/cluster setting • Dedicated worm-keepers are a must • Students LOVE this initiative

  10. The Latest • Castings being sorted by Sustainability House • House fund-raiser • Creating additional bins • Distributing to campus houses, offices, first year residence halls

  11. To Stay Updated • Visit our website: • www.luther.edu/sustainability • Contact me directly: • Maren Stumme-Diers stumma01@luther.edu 563-387-1722

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