4.1 Composting
Composting is a natural process that can help homeowners save money, reduce pollution, reduce organic waste, and fertilize the soil. It is a simple process that requires little effort and maintenance, and it can be used in just about every development setting from commercial to residential environments. Composting is the biological process of naturally breaking down organic food wastes back into the soil form from which they came, which can then be used as future, healthy fertilizer. The following links will describe several methods in which the composting process can easily be implemented in various locations.
4.1.1 Aerobic Composting
A popular method of composting, aerobic composting does not emit any foul odours and the process may only take up to two weeks to complete. Aerobic composting uses oxygen in a controlled environment until the soil is ready to be used as fertilizer. Materials used, temperature, moisture content, and aeration are all factors that can affect the aerobic process. The process begins by digging a pit, and taking an organic material such as dead leaves and wait for them to break-down into their basic form. Water may be added if the material is too dry. Over time, small piles of organic food materials are put onto the pile and the soil is turned as often as possible using a shovel (once a day works best for aeration). Eventually, the materials will turn into healthy fertilizer. Aerobic composting is beneficial because it reduces waste, is cost-effective, and reduces human impact on the environment.
Step-by-step guide to aerobic composting
Composting – the best types of composting for the immediate environment
4.1.2 Anaerobic Composting
Anaerobic composting is the process of using bacteria or other living organisms to break-down organic materials in an oxygen-free environment. Anaerobic composting is done in a well-saturated environment as it requires about 70 per cent moisture levels to be effective. This water level helps remove oxygen from the compost pile which will allow for this type of composting. A longer process than aerobic composting, anaerobic processes also allow for a low-odour process. Large bags or sealed containers are the most recognizable forms of this composting. At the end of the process, a good-size amount of humus (organic material fertilizer) will have accumulated and can be used for future planting. The resulting gas that is emitted from the natural process can also be harnessed as an environmentally-friendly biofuel.
The science behind the anaerobic process including all the benefits of the process; a description of how the gas emitted from the process can be harnessed.
Anaerobic composting methods – location and environment
4.1.3 Vermiculture
Vermiculture, or worm composting, uses worms to break-down food scraps and other household wastes into healthy black soil that can be used as a fertilizer. Red wigglers, manure worms, tiger worms, blue worms and red hybrid worms are used in the vermicompost process and depending on the local environment; the worms do not pose a threat as an invasive species in the area. After organic wastes have been ingested by worms, the excrement releases ten times the nutrients back into the soil than what was originally in the material. The process can be undertaken in small containers left inside buildings, or in sealed locations on the outdoors made of wood or plastic.
READ: A report about the science behind vermiculture. A good reference for benefits and processes behind why worms are a good option.
How to build vermiculture containers and the many benefits of using worms.
4.2 Recycling
Recycling helps reduce the number of materials that end up in landfills. It also reduces the need to use more natural resources, and protects natural habitats for the future. Recycling materials uses less energy to reuse than to make new products, and reduces the need for extracting new resources and transportation costs.
4.2.1 Electronics
Many electronics contain precious finite metals that are in short supply. By recycling thesemetals, they can be reused in new products. Changing market trends mean that new products containing these metals are being used and disposed of on a regular basis. This includes recycling batteries in properly labelled containers. These metals may also be released into the ground if left in landfills, poisoning the area around in proximity.
How to recycle electronics – Where products can be distributed for new use
4.2.2 Glass
Glass recycling reuses resources, saves energy, and reduces the amount of waste in landfills. A glass bottle that is sent to a landfill can take up to a million years to break-down. However, it takes as little as 30 days for a recycled glass bottle to appear on a store shelf as a new glass container.
Environmental Issues: Benefits of Glass Recycling
4.2.3 Metal
Metal deposits are non-renewable resources and are very important materials to recycle. Metals can be recycled without losing their important properties, and reduces pressure on landfills. Metals should also be recycled because of the metallic products leaked into the nearby ecosystems.
Types of metals that can be used for recycling
4.2.4 Paper
One of the easiest products to recycle, paper is used in many products that also incorporate plastic and other materials. The average individual uses about 680 pounds of paper per year. Each ton of recycled paper can save 17 trees, 380 gallons of oil, three cubic yards of landfill space, 4000 kilowatts of energy, and 7000 gallons of water. This represents a 64% energy savings, a 58% water savings, and 60 pounds less of air pollution.
General recycling information – North American statistical data- different types of recycling
4.2.5 Plastic
Plastic products are toxic and non-biodegradable, and end up in landfills. Recycling one ton of plastic saves 7.4 cubic yards of waste and almost 2000 pounds of oil. One drawback of plastic recycling is that it requires greater processing in order to be recycled. Also, the dyes, fillers and other additives that are present in plastic goods can’t be removed easily during plastic recycling. Therefore, the purchasing of plastics in the first place should be chosen with care.
Plastic Recycling Facts – Importance of recycling plastic
4.3 Human Waste
The main goal of finding alternative human sanitation systems is to limit the amount of damage to the natural environment in the construction of new septic or sewage systems. The following are suggestions for systems that can be incorporated in “The Land Between” based on the area’s location and topography.
4.3.1 The Composting Toilet
A composting toilet is one that is not attached to a septic tank or county sewer line. By using peat moss to decompose waste, liquids and solids may be separated (depending on the toilet model) and this reduces foul odours. Some models contain vent pipes that allow moisture in the waste to evaporate and decompose naturally. It is a great suggestion for communities situated on solid rock (such as in the Canadian Shield) and in communities with limited infrastructure.
4.3.2 Wastewater Reuse (Blackwater)
Blackwater is toilet waste that has the potential to be reused for other purposes such as turf irrigation, industrial, agricultural irrigation, and drinking water. Wastewater is reclaimed by centralized wastewater treatment plants, decentralized smaller scale plants, or by satellite plants. They can be located upstream from the central plant to intercept certain amounts of wastewater before entering the sewer system. This is a good method for residential areas as this water can be used for outdoor, agricultural, and irrigation purposes without using valuable potable water. The main costs involved would be in relation to drinking water, which would need further treatment before it is safe for consumption.
Alternative sanitation options for households and communities
Inspectapedia: A Buyer’s Guide to Composting Toilets
4.3.3 Waterloo Biofilter
The core of the Waterloo Biofilter is a synthetic, absorbent filter medium that is configured as a free-draining, attached growth, biological trickling filter to treat sewage, process wastewaters, landfill leachate, and polish sewage lagoon discharge. It is designed for off-sewer developments such as single-dwelling households and cottages. The biofilters can be scaled to fit the design of the individual dwelling, and protects the environment and ecosystems from pollutants such as E. coli, BOD, TSS, nitrogen, and viruses. Some of the benefits of this biofilter include low-power consumption, low maintenance, and an extended warranty.
Waterloo Biofilter Systems Inc.
4.4 Shoreline Design
Shoreline environments are often composed of many interdependent biological and physical components necessary for the health of ecosystems. All of these components combine to make an ecosystem function normally, and when one aspect of the system is affected, a definite impact is felt on the ability of that system to maintain its normal function. This is why it is integral that construction along shorelines is completed in a manner that places the least amount of stress possible on the surrounding environment. The factors that should be taken into account are size and footprint, materials, location, and roughness. “The Land Between” is in an area where shoreline construction is a definite possibility for many new homeowners.
4.4.1 Foreshore Structures
These structures are classified into two categories: those that are supported by anchors and piles, and those that incorporate fills, revetments, and slabs. They are most often constructed with wood, concrete, or steel, and this ensures that human tread in the shoreline area is restricted to a bridge or boardwalk structure beginning with the mainland and extending into or along the shoreline. Anchor and pile supported structures put less of an environmental footprint on the area than fills, as long as the wood used as support structures are natural and lack much chemical treatment.
4.4.2 Floating Docks
These docks ensure that little human tread will occur along shorelines. However, some of the materials that are traditionally used in floating dock construction are not always sustainable. By using recycled materials such as plastic jugs and reusing Styrofoam, the impact of creating new materials from valuable natural resources is lessened. Floating docks are also very cost-effective.
4.4.3 Rip Rap (Artificial Reefs)
This method involves creating shorelines on areas that have existing structural systems in the hopes to make the shorelines more like their original states. This involves placing large rocks along the shore with large voids between each to allow for natural reef inhabitants to make use of the area. Placing grooves in existing concrete slabs allow protection for organisms from excessive scour. Low elevation benches allow for the development of submergent vegetation and high elevation benches help enable a community of shrubs and trees.
Preserving and Restoring Natural Shorelines
Shoreline Structures, Environmental Design
4.5 Bear-Resistant Garbage/Recycling/Composting Bins
4.5.1 TyeDee Bins
TyeDee bins are designed to keep bears, raccoons, coyotes, skunks, birds, or household pets out of garbage bins. These bins are used for residential and public use, and can be used in all climates. They have been tested on black bears, grizzly bears, and polar bears. In rural areas such as “The Land Between”, these bins are used to store garbage until the homeowner drops off the garbage at landfills. These bins are made of steel and can be ordered and shipped directly to the home.
4.5.2 Rollins Bear Cart
These bins are used residentially with manual, semi-automated, and fully-automated collection systems. They safely secure garbage, food, and scents that attract bears and other wildlife. They come in many different styles and the homeowner can choose what design they prefer. They come with wheels for easy manuverability. This product is also manufactured in Canada.
4.5.3 UnBearable Bins
UnBearable Bins safely secure garbage, livestock and pet food from bears and other wildlife and are designed for residential homes, farms and acreages. They are ideal for safely securing feed and garbage for homeowners without much storage capability. They are a cost-effective solution for “The Land Between” as bears are a reality in the area. They were tested on grizzly bears, and are available in two sizes: 64 Gallon (242 litres) and 95 Gallon (360 litres).
4.5.4 Critter Guard Lock Systems
These systems work on routes that currently have roll-out garbage collection in place. They are low maintenance, easy-to-use, and cost-efficient. They were tested on grizzly bears and black bears. Another plus is that this product is Canadian manufactured.