Just a quick update re: my Tea Bag Vermicomposting system. It has been nearly 1 month since my last update. I’ve concluded that I probably don’t need to feed any more often than that – gives the worms plenty of time to work on the tea bags that have been added, and me plenty of time to collect a decent quantity of them (along with the paper packets).
I was really pleased with how things are coming along when I checked on the bin this morning. I even got a little carried away when I took a whiff of the vermicompost that’s been accumulating (“you know you’re a Worm-Head when…” – haha!) – be sure to check out the video for that.
And while you’re at it, why not check out the (now classic) “You Know You Are a Worm-Head When…” blog posts:
You Know You Are A True Worm-Head When…
You Know You’re a Worm-Head – Part Deux
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Can’t wait to test this tea bag vermicompost out!
Stay tuned.
Previous Posts Series
The Tale of a Ridiculously Badly Neglected Worm Bin
Tea Bag Vermicomposting
Tea Bag Vermicomposting – 10-13-17
Tea Bag Vermicomposting – 1-10-2018
I do the same with my tea bags, but I remove the string and tag to make a cleaner compost.
I started noticing that the bags themselves were not fully decomposing even after years in the soil. Research revealed the majority of teabags (here in UK anyway) are made of 30% plastic so they can be heat sealed. I strenuously oppose the idea of adding plastic to the soil which will eventually (incredibly slowly) break down into micro plastic particles similar to those which now heavily pollute our oceans. I now laboriously rip each bag and empty them.
Sylvia – that is a good idea! I am curious to see how long it takes for the string to break down, but I may start doing that at some point as well.
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Trev – I agree that would not be ideal at all. I am going to monitor the break down process and see what is left. I also plan to screen the material before use, so that should help to separate out any unprocessed scraps and non biodegradable components (if present).
Another great update, glad the tea-bag project is going well!
@ Trev & Bentley – I’ve definitely found it easier and less time consuming to pull out the plastic film after the compost is finished. For me, getting my worm bin to the ultimate low-effort state is optimal.
“Trev
#2. February 10th, 2018, at 8:51 PM.
I started noticing that the bags themselves were not fully decomposing even after years in the soil. Research revealed the majority of teabags (here in UK anyway) are made of 30% plastic so they can be heat sealed. I strenuously oppose the idea of adding plastic to the soil which will eventually (incredibly slowly) break down into micro plastic particles similar to those which now heavily pollute our oceans. I now laboriously rip each bag and empty them.”
Trev Is correct!!!!
I would love you to try (NOT!!!) recyclable plastic bags. They do not work and do not decay, rot, putrefy. they just become smaller over a very longer period of time.
Trev is talking sence.
This goes to show the world is moving forward…back in December I signed a petition started by a guy called Mike Armitage from Wrexham in the UK after, (like me) finding “white” residue from teabags in his garden compost. There was plenty in the press and now Unilever one of the worlds largest teabag manufacturers has decided to switch to fully biodegradable, plant-based teabags. See:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43224797 . Other companies are following the lead. I told my worms. They’re ecstatic!