Sustainable Tuesdays schedule announced for April

Sustainable Tuesdays, weekly presentations on topics related to environmental and sustainability issues presented by Bemidji State University’s Sustainability Office, will feature April presentations on vermiculture, genetically modified organisms and back-yard composting.

Sustainable Tuesdays are held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rail River Folk School, located at 303 Railroad St. SW in Bemidji, unless otherwise noted.

April 16 – Vermiculture Workshop
Indoor vermiculture, or composting using red wiggler worms, can help households reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich fertilizer for home lawns and gardens. This Sustainable Tuesdays event will teach the basics of vermiculture and provide Rubbermaid totes, bedding and worms for hands-on demonstrations. The workshop is free, but participants can take their worm bins home afterward by paying $20 to cover the cost of materials. To reserve a provided bin, contact Caitlyn Schuchhardt at the Bemidji State Sustainability Office, cschuchhardt@bemidjistate.edu. Participants may also bring their own small Rubbermaid tote.

April 23 – GMO Labeling Panel
Panel discussion on Minnesota’s bill to require labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), held in Hagg-Sauer 112 on the Bemidji State University campus. The panel of students, local grocers, local farmers and policy experts will discuss the bill and issues surrounding genetic engineering and its impact on the health of people and the environment.

April 30 – Backyard Composting Workshop
Back-yard composting can help reduce household waste. This workshop will teach participants how to set up a backyard composting bin, provide tips on what materials can and cannot be composted and provide basic maintenance tips for compost bins. Local experienced composters will be sharing their expertise.

Sustainable Tuesdays are a partnership between Bemidji State’s Sustainability Office, the Indigenous Environmental Network, MN GreenCorps and the Rail River Folk School.

For more information, contact Caitlyn Schuchhardt in the BSU Sustainability Office, (218) 755-3765, cschuchhardt@bemidjistate.edu.

LINKS
Area Voices “Green Living” blog