California Resort Vermicomposting

I recently came across an interesting (albeit brief) article about a new vermicomposting initiative at a California hotel/spa. I always enjoy reading about these kinds of projects. There is just SO much potential, given all the businesses out there producing tons and tons of food waste each year, but there really aren’t that many taking advantage of these materials.

The hotel in question is the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa (Sonoma, California) – here is a brief blurb about their new system:

The 3′ x 3′ x 14″ worm bin sits near the employee parking lot and is intended to reduce about 128 pounds of organic waste each month. But cutting out the organic waste isn’t the only thing the wormy guys are good for, explains Melissa Attanasio, the resort’s “Green Champion” (I wish I had “champion” in my official title). “By feeding the worms hotel food waste, we end up with one of the best (sustainable) soil amendments and fertilizers—worm castings,” she says.

Be sure to check out the full article: Hotel Hip: Worm Composting

I’m actually just about to start up a similar food waste vermicomposting project in my own region. A little while ago I contacted a local restaurant to inquire about obtaining some of their wastes for my worms, and they ended up being very excited about the idea, so we’ve made it into more of a serious project. Needless to say, you’ll definitely be hearing a lot more about that in coming weeks.

Technorati Tags: worm composting, vermicomposting, worms, red worms, composting worms, food waste, food scraps, restaurant waste, composting

Written by Bentley on May 26th, 2008 with 3 comments.
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