Composting is an age-old practice that still benefits our soils as much today as it did in ancient times. But, what many people may not know is that proper training matters in order to create this “black gold” both safely and effectively. At ILSR’s Composting for Community Project, we’re cultivating a greater awareness of the myriad benefits compost can provide to our soils and … Read More
At the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, we document and promote innovative uses of local power that can be used around the country. Community composting is a way that neighborhoods can take control of what could be waste, such as food scraps, and turn it into wealth, such as healthy soil. Prospect Heights Community Farm in Brooklyn shows us … Read More
The newly installed White House Kitchen Garden speaks to an important throughline in American history and could be a profound new symbol of community reuse, wealth and self-reliance, all of which are vital to strengthening local economies across the country.
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Increasing composting in Flint will benefit residents in many ways: healthier soils for food production, pollution mitigation for contaminated soils, more opportunities for neighbors to work together, and greater community self-reliance. On July 27th, ILSR staffers, Linda Bilsens and Joshua Etim, visited with various food growing and access groups working in and around Flint to lay the groundwork for bringing ILSR’s Neighborhood Soil Rebuilders Composter Training Program to the area.… Read More
ILSR is proud to introduce the Atlanta Community Compost Advocates! Atlanta-based Terra Nova Compost Collective partnered with ILSR and ECO City Farms to adapt their Neighborhood Soil Rebuilders (NSR) Composter Training Program for the diverse and charming City of Atlanta.… Read More
Worms are pretty amazing creatures! When used as a soil amendment, their waste has been shown to accelerate plant growth, suppress pests and diseases, and even increase levels of anti-oxidants in food. But vermiculture has other benefits that can contribute to a community’s self-reliance.… Read More
ILSR’s Brenda Platt and Linda Bilsens are kicking of the DC Food Recovery Week of Action with a Worm-Powered Composting at Home Workshop, hosted by EW Stokes Community Freedom PCS on Saturday, May 14th. This workshop will cover benefits of vermicompost, and tips and tricks for proper worm-husbandry. … Read More
ILSR’s Composting for Community Project is partnering with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), ECO City Farms, Urban Farm Plans and others to bring an Urban Master Composter course tailored to the DPR Community Compost Cooperative Network.… Read More
Schedule Workshops are scheduled for the following dates, times and locations: Tuesday, December 8th, 6-9pm at Baltimore County UMD Extension (1114 Shawan Rd, Cockeysville, MD 21030) – CANCELLED Wednesday, December 16th, 6-9pm at Montgomery County UMD Extension (18410 Muncaster Rd, Derwood, MD 20855) Tuesday, January 19th, 2016, 6-9pm at Washington County UMD Extension (7303 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, … Read More
