July Sustainability Challenge

~JULY CHALLENGE~

The July challenge is to 'SHOP LOCAL'.
Summer time is the perfect time to shop for local produce, and to try new products from fresh fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, cheese, or meat, and everything in between!  There are many farmers markets and local grocery stores that carry local products from a variety of local producers.  

For everyone just send us photos of you and your family, perhaps its at a farmers market, picking a new vegetable from a garden, fresh food on the grill, or anything in between!  If you have any questions getting started or would like some recommendations of local places, please just let us know!

 Please send photos and names no later than August 1st to kaitlynwintersbradley@gmail.com.

You can't buy happiness, but you can buy local, and that's the same kind of thing. ~Unknown

June Sustainability Challenge Winners

The June winner raffle prize, (Geo-bin) will be awarded soon, but here is some of the great examples of different composting methods already being used in the congregation. 

Also if you would like more information or need help trouble shooting please visit: 
http://occsustainable.blogspot.com/2016/05/june-sustainability-article-expanded.html 
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 A simple two 5-gallon bucket system which is in the garage:  one bucket for kitchen veggie scraps, added daily, and the second bucket filled with finished compost.  We sprinkle a light layer of compost over the veggie scraps each time we add those to the ‘scrap bucket’.  When the veggie scrap bucket is full, we take it down to a larger compost pile near the garden area and mix it in.  By using a layering process in the ‘scrap bucket’ much of the veggie material has broken down before it even gets ‘delivered’ to the larger pile.  Folks who don’t have finished compost to use, can get started with this type of system by adding a light layer of garden soil or compost—can be purchased by the bag locally. (Photo credit and information: Marilyn Bettenhausen).

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The more convenient it is the more likely people will try composting scraps. Using a rubber trash can drill holes in it about 6 to 8 inches apart.  I  generally put some dry material in the bottom to absorb excess moisture.  This can be some previous made compost grass clipping or soil.  Any food scraps including egg shells, cut flowers, etc can go into the composter. Meat scraps and grease or not recommended. If it's too wet put in grass clippings or something in to absorb excess moisture. Moisture and ratio of carbon to nitrogen is what will make it function properly.

Turn green compost materials into material in the bottom of the composter every couple of weeks. This keeps down smell and reactivates microbes to continue working. (Information and photo credit: Bob Broz)

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A geo-bin composting system that is placed right beside the garden, food scraps are put in once a week when the material is turned over and water is added.  This design is practical for city use as it has a secure lid so critters don't get into it and it also keeps the material in a easy and ready to use location!