Another friend is looking into purchasing a water-and energy-efficient washer and dryer set. She's conflicted about getting rid of a perfectly good washer and dryer in the interests of efficiency. Is it worth it? How much energy and water savings result from the exchange? What are the downsides? Are there any unexpected benefits?
I'll post this in the interest of gaining feedback, and like the com-"post" I'll revisit the blog when I have some answers.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Questions about desert composting
My friend just started composting at her new place... I'm going to add her questions to my own blog, since composting is my "thing" and see if I can address them, answering her inquiries and maybe informing others as well.
Questions Specific to Composting in the Desert/ Tucson:
1. Has anyone figured out if this is really worthwhile, considering that I am having to water my compost pile with precious ground water every other day or so?
2. How do I know if I am keeping the pile moist enough? In general, how do I know if I am tending my compost pile correctly for maximum results?
3. Any tricks for keeping the pile moist enough?
4. What kinds of bugs and critters are normal to expect around a compost pile? I know I should be on the lookout for neighborhood cats, but is there anything else I should worry about? I've got lots of ants and other miscellaneous little bugs. I also noticed some weird chrysalises (sp?) They were about 1 1/2" in diameter, white with a red tip on one end, curled into a circle and looked nasty-- some kind of beetle or something? Hopefully not cockroaches? Ew.
If any readers have suggestions, feel free to chime in!
Stay tuned for more information!
In the meantime, I addressed composting in a previous post: Compost Happens. There are some links to composting in that post, though I haven't checked them for link rot. I'll surely find more information in the quest for answers to these questions.
Questions Specific to Composting in the Desert/ Tucson:
1. Has anyone figured out if this is really worthwhile, considering that I am having to water my compost pile with precious ground water every other day or so?
2. How do I know if I am keeping the pile moist enough? In general, how do I know if I am tending my compost pile correctly for maximum results?
3. Any tricks for keeping the pile moist enough?
4. What kinds of bugs and critters are normal to expect around a compost pile? I know I should be on the lookout for neighborhood cats, but is there anything else I should worry about? I've got lots of ants and other miscellaneous little bugs. I also noticed some weird chrysalises (sp?) They were about 1 1/2" in diameter, white with a red tip on one end, curled into a circle and looked nasty-- some kind of beetle or something? Hopefully not cockroaches? Ew.
If any readers have suggestions, feel free to chime in!
Stay tuned for more information!
In the meantime, I addressed composting in a previous post: Compost Happens. There are some links to composting in that post, though I haven't checked them for link rot. I'll surely find more information in the quest for answers to these questions.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thank you for your donation
Thank you for your contribution. It will go to good use in building our sustainable lifestyle... My children and I thank you. (Happy Dance of Appreciation)
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