In 2023, a collaboration between Compostier NL and the Green Office gave birth to the Worm Composting initiative at the VU Campus — a tradition that turns our organic waste into food for the planet. This circular system relies on the magical transformation of fruit and vegetable scraps, tea, leaf litter, paper, cardboard, and — the worms’ absolute favourite — coffee grounds. By creating a balanced ecosystem for microorganisms, the nutrients in these leftovers break down into tiny particles that worms (and other decomposers) can digest. With the help of their mighty little stomachs, they produce one of the most nutrient‑rich fertilizers nature has to offer: vermicompost.
As part of our waste‑management efforts, worm composting is our way at the VU to keep nature’s resources circulating within nature — while reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that come from letting organic waste decompose anaerobically. The campus currently hosts two Worm Hotels (our playful name for the vermicomposting units), which are fed every week with organic waste collected at the Green Office and the Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM). Through this process, the Green Office offers the community a chance to get their hands dirty, develop greener consumption and disposal habits, and feel more connected to the environment
Our worm‑composting initiative has the potential to grow into a vibrant vermiculture community on campus, bringing together students, departments, and enthusiastic volunteers. Their involvement is already helping us expand organic‑waste collection points and spread the word about the magic happening inside our Worm Hotels. As we increase the amount of organic waste the worms receive, we aim to produce enough vermicompost to help enrich the campus greenery before 2030.
Compostier-YESNO Food for WºRMs.pdf
Compostier-Kickstart Instructions Part 2WºRM21.pdf
2023: Inauguration of the first worm hotel at the Roofgarden of the Main Building
2024: New worm hotel in the StartHub
2024: Screening of WaterBear short film: The Worm Hotelier.
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https://waterbear.com/title/the-worm-hotelier
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