Vermiculture

Today we made our new vermiculture composting bin.

As soon as it was finished, I went outside in the snow to dig up the first two residents... I just couldn't wait!

I have my worm traps out now, so I should be able to populate the bin very quickly.

Cardboard covered with repurposed Styrofoam and held down with a brick

We followed the directions found here:

http://whatcom.wsu.edu/ag/compost/easywormbin.htm


Also, we used a 6 gallon bin instead of the 8-10 gallon that was called for in the instructions.


Now, for those of you who are aware of our propensity to name *everything*, and would like to be in the know... they're all named Herman and the bin is The Herman Hotel.

Update:  This post is being shared at Simple Lives Thursday: http://gnowfglins.com/2011/03/03/simple-lives-thursday-33/

Other Vansteader Posts

I just wanted to pause today and give everyone a chance to read some of the great vansteader posts that are being written elsewhere.


Hoboknitter (Kate):
knitting worms (worm composting and knitting):
http://twokniveskatie.blogspot.com/2010/10/knitting-worms.html
and...

laundry (excellent laundry bucket):

http://twokniveskatie.blogspot.com/2010/10/laundry.html

Celtic Gypsy (Kylie):
wood stoves:
http://celticgypsyvandwelling.blogspot.com/2010/10/wood-stoves.html
and...
update on cost of little cob wood stove:
http://celticgypsyvandwelling.blogspot.com/2010/10/update-on-cost-of-little-cob-woodstove.html


Brian:
Vermiculture (worm composting):
http://giffordsrvdream.blogspot.com/2010/04/earth-day-2010-what-are-you-doing-to.html

Composting toilets: the sequel

I was talking to a friend of mine about this topic, a friend who it turns out has researched these composting toilets for his van build.  Since I've discovered that some of my friends are a shy lot... I'll just post what he told me. ;)


He recommended two brands, the first was mentioned yesterday... the other is: The Airhead!

This in no way brings my friend to mind, as I think he's a very smart cookie, but the easy joke is there.

http://www.airheadtoilet.com


Tomorrow, I'll post on perennial food plants... lol (yeah, right)!

Notice what appears to be a wet bath and the toilet looks like it seals well (with a gasket)???

Composting toilets and Remi in fatigues

While Remi may not be in fatigues, he certainly is getting into the vansteader spirit - and it is very much appreciated!  I absolutely love the contributions I get from other vansteaders!  Remi's email (in part):

"While doing a lot of reading and research on them, especially for RV, Boat and off grid living, I came across http://www.natureshead.net/land.html and started digging deeper into reviews and blogs and such. Seems most people have been very happy with this one, but I didn't find any van dweller blogs about it, mostly boats and off grid living, and in the group only a mention of a former member who had and liked it.

I think the topic would fit in good with the vansteading topics & would be very interested to know what other dwellers/steaders who are using them are doing with the compost (tie in to gorilla gardening... Cammo & fatigues included ;))"

__________________________

Mike has made mention of a possible composting toilet future mod for Taj... Remi, I love the idea!  I can't wait to read the discussion.  Thank you so much for your contribution.