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Composting Resource List
The resources listed below are good for learning about composting. Often, the books are available at local libraries. Pamphlets published by cooperative extension agencies are often available from those agencies for minimal or no cost, for residents of the states or regions served by the agency. ISBN codes are included when available (ISBNs allow bookstores to quickly place special orders for a particular book). Composting Info on the Internet/WWW:
Books:BACKYARD COMPOSTING
published by Harmonious Press, Ojai, California, 1992 (ISBN 0-9629768-0-6).
This is the simplest, most easy to read how-to guide for composting.
It is short and very easy to read, yet presents all the basics.96
pp. THE HUMANURE HANDBOOK
by J.C. Jenkins, Jenkins Publishing (P.O. Box 607, Grove City,
PA 16127. $19.95 ppd., ISBN 0-9644258-4-X). The composting of
human manure is controversial, or even outrageous, to many experienced
composters. Joe Jenkins takes on the composting 'establishment'
with this book, presenting a persuasive argument for why 'humanure'
should be composted, as well as citing research to support the
safety of his method. By carefully building a pile so that it
reaches high enough (thermophilic) temperatures, and by monitoring
the temperature of the pile over time, Jenkins argues that it
is possible to safely compost human manure at home. Those with
minimal experience in composting may find this book an interesting
read, as it is very easy to understand. However, humanure composting
should not be done unless one is an experienced 'hot pile' composter
who makes an informed choice to take 100% responsibility for the
process and its product. This is an important book in that it
opens one's eyes to the loss of what should be considered a valuable
natural resource. I found the book very interesting and helpful.
Some may be offended by the terminology used. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book! 198
pp. LET IT ROT!
by Stu Campbell, Storey Communications, Inc., Pownal, Vermont,1990
(ISBN 0-88266-635-5). This is a good general how-to guide for
composting. It's very easy to read, but includes considerable
detail for those who want to learn more about the composting process.
152 pp. WORMS EAT MY GARBAGE
by Mary Appelhof, Flower Press, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1982 (ISBN
0-942256-03-4). Mary Appelhof is an expert with more than twenty
years experience using worms to compost kitchen fruit and vegetable
trimmings. Her book is the best source of detailed information
on the simple art of "vermicomposting" kitchen wastes.
Interesting reading, with cartoons, drawings, and diagrams. 100pp.
WORMS EAT OUR GARBAGE
by Mary Appelhof, Mary Frances Fenton, and Barbara Loss Harris,
Flower Press, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1992 (ISBN 0-942256-05-0).
A resource book for teachers who want to try vermicomposting with
their students. Activities are appropriate for grades 4 and above.
214 pp. Pamphlets:These booklets and pamphlets, or similar ones, may be available from cooperative extension offices in your state. COMPOSTING TO REDUCE THE WASTE STREAM, Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, Ithaca, New York, 1991. COMPOSTING YARD WASTE, Service in Action Bulletin #7.212, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension, Fort Collins, Colorado, 1991. HOME COMPOSTING, Seattle Community Composting Education Program, Seattle, Washington.
RECYCLING YARD AND GARDEN WASTE, Circular #ANR-700, Alabama Cooperative
Extension Service, Auburn University, Alabama,1992. Periodical:
WORM DIGEST, P.O. Box 544, Eugene, OR 97440, $12/year (4 issues).Worm
Digest is a quarterly journal that covers the use of worms in
composting and soil improvement. This is a great journal for anyone
seriously interested in worm bins, and especially for those interested
in teaching others or spreading the word about vermicomposting.
Videos:COMPOSTING FOR THE 90's - A REASON AND METHOD FOR EVERYONE
from Earth to Earth Productions, P.O. Box 1272, Burbank, CA 91507-1272
(approximately 50 minutes long, ISBN 1-881647-02-1). This video
covers everything from why to compost, and different ways to make
and use compost, to how composting can save money on garbage bills.
Very easy to understand, and complete, yet concise. Recommended
for new composters who like how-to videos and for public libraries/organizations
that want to provide user friendly how-to resources for their
patrons. WORMANIA!from Flowerfield Enterprises, 10332 Shaver Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49002 (26 minutes, with a 48-page teaching guide, $38.40, ISBN 0-942256-07-7). Mary Appelhof has produced, partly with the help of a National Science Foundation grant, this video on the subject of worms and vermicomposting. In the video, Worm Woman visits a family, teaches them about worm biology, and helps them set up a worm bin for composting kitchen wastes. Several worm-related songs by Billy Brennan make up part of the video, which covers a lot of ground in a concise fashion, but is entertaining and engaging. Microvideo is used to illustrate worm anatomy. Worm movement, feeding/digestion, and reproduction are all covered, as well as the role worms play in improving soil drainage and organic matter content. A great video for libraries, school districts, master composter groups, and agriculture or biology classes. This is not primarily a how-to video for vermicomposting (use Mary Appelhof's excellent book Worms Eat My Garbage for this purpose), but would be good for general outreach to promote the idea of vermicomposting, or as a supplement to how-to education.
Rot Web text (c)1996 by Eric S. Johnson http://a-horizon.com/compost/index2.htm |
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