Workshop for hands on sustainability
With Folk High School Ulm, we set an example for sustainability in a holistic and practice-oriented way. In our workshop, participants learn "hands on" how waste is turned into gold, a raw material that, together with biochar, has a great effect on improving soil health.
First comes the theory
What composting is and the science behind composting such as decomposition and the role of microorganisms are the two important topics that we explain and cover in our workshop. The next step is to understand which materials can be composted (green vs. brown materials). Not all compost is good compost. That's why we talk about common composting methods (bin, pile, worm composting) in each workshop. Sometimes the compost stinks. It's not easy to make good compost without knowledge. In the workshop we gave some tips on how to maintain a healthy compost heap. The theoretical part is concluded with a question and answer session in which all immediate questions are answered. A Coffee break for 15 minutes is important because it encourages networking and discussion among participants.
Then hands on part
The first step in this section is to prepare the materials. To provide the participants with wood and green materials, we pruned a tree and a shrub to gather all the necessary materials. We continue our work with chopping the wood into small pieces by explaining the importance of wood chips for composting and gardening. At the same time as chipping, another group made biochar on a griddle. We discussed the benefits of biochar in compost for soil health and demonstrated how to make biochar using a simple method (e.g. a small kiln). The participants took part in the process and also observed how biochar is made with less oxygen and less smoke. Finally, we demonstrated how to layer materials for effective composting and let the participants build their own compost bin or pile with the materials provided. Organizing a compost workshop is a rewarding endeavor that not only educates our community on sustainable practices but also fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility for the environment. By following this guide, you can create an engaging and informative experience that empowers participants to take action in their own gardening and waste management practices. Happy composting!