Today, April 22, is Earth Day. We have a unique opportunity to reflect on what we can do to make our community and world a better place. What can you do?
Personally, my wife and I have taken some efforts to be more green. There are the little things we do that we hope will make a difference in the long run - riding our bikes to work instead of driving, using our own canteens instead of plastic water bottles, recycling all that we can. However, our biggest (and, strangely, most rewarding) lifestyle change is our vermiculture compost bin.
You might be wondering what "vermiculture" means...simply put, it means "worm farm". These little critters, whom we bought from a fellow worm farmer, love eating organic waste and break it down much faster and cleaner than a non-worm compost. Later on, when they've broken down the banana peels, carrot tops, and cardboard boxes into nutrient-rich soil, we'll use the soil to feed our window sill tomato and basil plants.
Like I said, it's strangely rewarding to have these worms. They've become like pets to us: we feed them, care for their well being, and proudly share them with friends and family. As much as we feel good about giving them a home and food, we know that they're providing us with natural fertilizer and a bit of companionship. Something that started as a side project has turned into a labor of love!
To celebrate Earth Day, here's a movie to encourage you:
What can you do to make a difference in your community? How have you changed your habits recently?