Saptotrophic Decomposers Amongst Weself Affair (SDAWA)
Overview:
Environmental concerns such as disposal of food and organic matter have become increasingly prevalent as of recent years, with the matters of the carbon cycle, soil fertility, and greenhouse gas emissions rising to the forefront of the popular eye. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, food loss and waste “account for 8-10% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.” [1]
In response to this increasingly drastic situation, we have a small-scale solution that can be implemented in every single household; using mushrooms to help decompose food waste. This allows us to:
Easily dispose of food waste
Return nutrients to the soil in the form of used mushroom substrate
Prevent carbon dioxide and methane emissions from food waste entering landfills
How it works:
Given a proper growing area (with proper Carbon:Nitrogen ratio, oxygen-rich environment, and darkness), the mushroom will be able to grow and process the food waste along with helpful bacteria. If the environment is right, they will undergo aerobic respiration, breaking down lignin, cellulose, and other organic matter, all while not producing carbon dioxide and methane as an anaerobic decomposition would.
Prototyping:
Our current prototype uses cardboard to start growing oyster mushrooms, which can then be transplanted into small containers of food waste. Given proper time and care, this should actually be a relatively clean process, and if the compost is done properly, should not produce a bad odor. When it is done, the whole block can be broken down and used in gardens.
Data:
To be continued!
Sources:
