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There is a Project idea called
Disappearing Act: How Fast Do Different Biodegradable & Compostable Materials Decompose?
It's a great looking project and relates a lot to my project idea on fabric composting.
My question is if this same method can be used for fabrics composting?
Also, is indoor composting or outdoor composting best for this type of project and what are the pros and cons of each, especially entering the winter months.
For outdoor composting, is using tumblers or earthworms a better method?
I'm having difficulty finding answers to these questions
Thanks
Relating to the Project Idea on Composting
Moderators: AmyCowen, kgudger, MadelineB, Moderators
-
znath786
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Sun Nov 17, 2013 7:45 pm
- Occupation: Student: 10th grade
- Project Question: A comparison of the compostability of natural, man-made and regenerated textiles and why they differ if they do
- Project Due Date: 2/15/14
- Project Status: I am conducting my research
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deleted-127453
- Former Expert
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Thu Feb 14, 2013 8:37 am
- Occupation: Scientist
- Project Question: Ask an expert volunteer
- Project Due Date: n/a
- Project Status: Not applicable
Re: Relating to the Project Idea on Composting
znath786,
This sounds like a great idea. I will have to admit I do not know a great deal about composting. I have been attempting some searches to try and help you with your project. This link has some useful information. http://www.hearts.com/ecolife/surprisin ... s-compost/
In regard to your specific questions. Per this article it sounds like earthworms are helpful for fabric composing. "Add earthworms to your compost: Researchers have found that vermicompost, the process of composting using earthworms and animal manure, can be a highly effective way to better compost fabrics and other textile waste. Earthworms are known to produce the best fertilizer on planet and are great at efficiently processing organic waste. Learn more about composting with earthworms". .
Hot composing might also be beneficial to speed up the composing process. "Use a hot compost for faster results: Typical composts just sit there, hot composting is a more involved way to speed up the process. Creating a hot compost takes some thought and effort. You need to mix your compost ingredients and layer them properly in a bin to create the necessary conditions. You will also need to occasionally turn your compost pile for the process to work. Learn how to make your own hot compost".
As far as indoor vs. outdoor I would probably stick with outdoor composing unless you have a specially made automatic indoor compostor. It should not be a problem composting in the winter months and long as you keep up with it. (http://easttexasgardening.tamu.edu/tips ... mpost.html & http://earth911.com/news/2010/12/06/gui ... he-winter/).
Additionally, Cornell has a waste management program in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/resources.htm. I am sure that contacting them could be a valuable resource.
Good luck with you project. I am happy to help with future questions
This sounds like a great idea. I will have to admit I do not know a great deal about composting. I have been attempting some searches to try and help you with your project. This link has some useful information. http://www.hearts.com/ecolife/surprisin ... s-compost/
In regard to your specific questions. Per this article it sounds like earthworms are helpful for fabric composing. "Add earthworms to your compost: Researchers have found that vermicompost, the process of composting using earthworms and animal manure, can be a highly effective way to better compost fabrics and other textile waste. Earthworms are known to produce the best fertilizer on planet and are great at efficiently processing organic waste. Learn more about composting with earthworms". .
Hot composing might also be beneficial to speed up the composing process. "Use a hot compost for faster results: Typical composts just sit there, hot composting is a more involved way to speed up the process. Creating a hot compost takes some thought and effort. You need to mix your compost ingredients and layer them properly in a bin to create the necessary conditions. You will also need to occasionally turn your compost pile for the process to work. Learn how to make your own hot compost".
As far as indoor vs. outdoor I would probably stick with outdoor composing unless you have a specially made automatic indoor compostor. It should not be a problem composting in the winter months and long as you keep up with it. (http://easttexasgardening.tamu.edu/tips ... mpost.html & http://earth911.com/news/2010/12/06/gui ... he-winter/).
Additionally, Cornell has a waste management program in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. http://cwmi.css.cornell.edu/resources.htm. I am sure that contacting them could be a valuable resource.
Good luck with you project. I am happy to help with future questions