Johanna Update – 6 weeks in

I haven’t updated the progress on the hot composting lately – so here goes.

We’ve had the Johanna for just over 6 weeks.  Everything from egg crate to raw chicken fat goes in there.  The vast majority is coffee grounds, fruit/vegetable scraps and uneaten milk/cereal.  I’ve made many mistakes (even though I read the directions three times and have composted before) .  Too much water, not enough “brown” matter etc. 

My observations so far…

• the compost is hot – I haven’t purchased a thermometer yet, but it is steamy and warm when you put your hand close;
• I let it get too wet a few weeks ago, and it made things slimy and fungus and mold really kicked in – not good, but it continues to be hot in there;
• The smell is musty, but so far, not bad – except for in the beginning.  I turned it today, and notice a faint sulfurous smell, so I know I have too much anaerobic activity happening.  I aerated and will monitor it to see if the odor improves as it dries out – otherwise, I have to get something drier inside like sawdust;
• We have little flies on the inside but not the outside;
• A rodent tried once to get in, but didn’t really make any progress, and we’ve had no evidence it’s been back since.

All in all, the Johanna appears to be performing as promised, even though I haven’t been the best compost practitioner. 

Can I recommend the Johanna?  Yes, I can – but only if you have  enough browns to keep your kitchen waste covered.  Otherwise, you’ll have to be creative there.

Obama Takes Action on Environmental Standards

A relief! Obama signed two executive orders today, one directing the federal DOT to increase fuel efficiency standards on 2011 cars sold in the US and a second (and dear to my heart as a Californian) directing the EPA to review the decision not to grant the waiver to California to pursue more aggressive emissions standards.

A Modern Day Heloise?

You buy fresh produce and fruit in the hopes of making wonderful dishes for yourself and family.  Then, reality sets in – your 4 year old resolves to eat nothing in the vegetable category,  you end up working late three nights in a row, and the yellow bananas get covered up by the huge bag of cuties you got on sale at Trader Joe’s.  Suddenly, you have fruit that is past its prime and wilting lettuce in the fridge. For many, that food won’t get eaten, and will eventually go to a landfill, with little hope of breaking down properly.   If you’re lucky, you can compost this stuff. 

But, if you feel industrious, make lemonade from those lemons!   Enter Canada’s environmental guru, David Suzuki and his wonderful maven of re-use, Lindsay Coulter (no relation to Ann Coulter – ick!).  Suzuki’s Environmental Challenge program is a monthly newsletter that provides tips for reducing your carbon footprint and living a more sustainable life. Coulter, or the Queen of Green (a modern day Heloise?) has recipes for coffee ground body scrub (I’m not kidding), strawberry/oatmeal facial scrub, hair conditioner, toothpaste, many of which consist of 2 food ingredients.

I have to admit I haven’t tried any of these recipes yet, but I applaud the spirit of finding uses for that food before you throw it out, even if it is to the composter!

http://www.davidsuzuki.org/NatureChallenge/QueenofGreen/recipes_videos.asp#greenspa