Are you a lover of the environment? Have you tried your hand at composting with no success? Vermicomposting might be the answer for you!
The latin vermin meaning worm, essentially translates vermicomposting into worm composting. This method of breaking down organic matter involves using worms to harness their ability of eating through large amounts of waste in a timely manner. As opposed to traditional methods of composting, the vermicompost is a speedier way to produce nitrogen-rich compost for plants, flowers, gardens, and the likes. Now this century year old method has become increasingly popular today due to more people becoming environmentally conscious.
According to the Global Vermicompost Market Research Report of 2016, the vermicompost industry is to expand to $87.7 million in 2021, a huge increase from the $44.4 million recorded in 2016. With the industry growing, and more awareness of this method of composting being produced, it is worth noting the benefits of such a process.
Especially in small apartments, dorms, residences, schools, and offices, this is a great method of being green that does not take up large amounts of space, time, or effort. The worms typically feed of off both browns and greens, meaning your old newspapers and food scraps are both fair game. This composting technique “lets us recycle just like nature does” by mimicking the natural process that would typically occur outdoors. The user is then presented with compost for personal use along with the positive environmental effects. Although there is strength in numbers, if enough people make the attempt to go green, real improvements will be seen. The vermicompost is a great way to reduce the amount of personal waste your household creates. Now, this may not seem like that big of a deal, but considering that Canada is one of the world’s largest producers of waste, with “777 kilograms of garbage per citizen” accounted for in 2009, it may be time for us to start taking action.
Another huge issue we are facing is the vast amount of greenhouse gas emissions polluting the environment. Methane gas, for instance, is produced when organic matter breaks down in an area with little to no oxygen, similar to that of a garbage dump site. Vermicomposting clearly does not face this challenge. Furthermore, this method of composting also calls for an end to chemical fertilizer and pesticide usage by providing the user with naturally produced castings that “contain high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the main nutrients all plants need to thrive.”
Although these nutrients are easily found in synthetic and chemical fertilizers, vermicomposts are often cheaper, and of course better for the planet. In fact, scholars have noted that the digestive system of the worm is a complex one that adds extensive microbes to the soil which then strengthens the immune systems of the plants, ultimately allowing them to thrive without the risk of insects and other pests infesting them.
If you ever considered taking on a new hobby, felt like helping to conserve the environment, or wanted to grow healthy plants and crops, the vermicompost may be worth looking into. This cheap and effective method of disposing of organic waste not only reduces your own household garbage production, but also impacts the environment in many large ways. If more people continue to go green, as the statistics predict, the beautiful world we live in could be around for generations to come.
By Alanna Munjal
Please note that opinions expressed are the author’s own. They do not necessarily reflect the views and values of The Blank Page.
