Cultivating Sustainability: Gardens and Composting for the Planet's Future

VFA Blog

Alex Fernandes

08 December 2024

The construction of a more sustainable world, aligned with the principles of veganism and agroecology, involves practices such as community gardens and composting. These methods offer accessible and transformative solutions to reduce waste, promote food security, and reconnect people with nature. Drawing on a rich collection of technical materials and practical manuals, this article explores the importance of these practices and how to implement them.

Composting: A Natural Cycle of Life

Composting transforms organic waste into a rich natural fertilizer. About 50% of urban waste in Brazil consists of organic residues, highlighting a significant potential for reuse. In addition to reducing landfill waste, composting combats the loss of essential soil nutrients and closes the natural organic matter cycle.

Composting Methods

There are various forms of composting, from domestic to community and institutional scales. One effective option for homes is vermicomposting, which uses worms to decompose waste. For communities, thermophilic composting, such as the UFSC Method, is a robust alternative, promoting local recycling of organic waste.

Environmental and Social Benefits

Composting contributes to:

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: Decomposing waste emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which composting can prevent.
Community empowerment: Projects like the Revolução dos Baldinhos in Florianópolis show how composting can unite communities, generate income, and raise environmental awareness.

Community Gardens: Growing Food and Connections

Community gardens are more than just food production—they strengthen social bonds, enhance public spaces, and promote food security. Projects like Horta Mãe Madre Siembra showcase the transformative impact of this practice, especially in marginalized communities.

Why Grow a Garden?

In addition to providing fresh, organic food, community gardens promote:

Health and nutrition: Access to pesticide-free food improves participants' health.
Education and sustainability: Gardens teach sustainable agricultural practices and foster a closer connection with the earth.

How to Start a Community Garden

Community Mobilization: Engage neighbors and local partners, such as schools and NGOs.
Site Selection: Choose areas with good sunlight and water access.
Planning and Organization: Divide responsibilities and establish a management plan.

Composting and Gardens: Benefits for the Planet and Animals

For vegans and environmentalists, composting and gardening align with the principles of respecting life and reducing environmental impact. These practices:

Reduce chemical fertilizer use: Decreasing soil and river pollution.
Promote biodiversity: Gardens and composting attract pollinators and revitalize ecosystems.
Combat food waste: Transforming organic leftovers into compost for new crops.

Ways to Expand Impact
For those who wish to go further, it is possible to seek support from agroecological networks, such as the SAFAS Network, or partnerships with universities and government agencies that offer technical assistance and funding.

10 Top Vegetables for Community or Home Gardens

1. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Nutritional Benefits: Rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals such as potassium and iron.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Prefers mild weather (15–20°C).
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.
- Irrigation: Regular and moderate to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Difficulty Level: Easy – Ideal for beginners. Short growth cycle (30–40 days) supports continuous production.

2. Carrot (Daucus carota)

Nutritional Benefits: Excellent source of beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A, and high in fiber.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Prefers temperatures between 16–22°C.
- Soil: Light, loose, deep, and well-drained.
- Irrigation: Frequent, avoiding dry or waterlogged soils.
Difficulty Level: Medium – Requires careful soil preparation to prevent deformed roots.

3. Collard Greens (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)

Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, K, calcium, and antioxidants.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Thrives in cool and temperate climates.
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
- Irrigation: Moderate, ensuring consistent soil moisture.
Difficulty Level: Easy – Perennial production with continuous leaf harvest.

4. Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme)

Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Prefers temperatures between 20–26°C and good sunlight exposure.
- Soil: Rich in organic matter and well-drained.
- Irrigation: Regular, avoiding waterlogging; water the base of the plant.
Difficulty Level: Medium to Difficult – Requires staking and pest management, such as aphids.

5. Radish (Raphanus sativus)

Nutritional Benefits: A source of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Adapted to cool and mild climates (10–20°C).
- Soil: Fertile, light, and well-drained.
- Irrigation: Regular, avoiding prolonged dryness.
Difficulty Level: Easy – Quick growth cycle (20–30 days) for continuous harvest.

6. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidant compounds.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Adapts well to various climatic conditions.
- Soil: Light and rich in organic matter.
- Irrigation: Regular, avoiding waterlogging.
Difficulty Level: Easy – Continuous production with regular leaf cutting.

7. Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo)

Nutritional Benefits: A good source of vitamins A, C, and fiber.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Prefers temperatures between 18–30°C.
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.
- Irrigation: Frequent, ensuring the soil does not dry out.
Difficulty Level: Medium – Requires space and proper management of flowers and fruits.

8. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)

Nutritional Benefits: Rich in iron, antioxidants, and fiber.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Prefers temperatures between 15–25°C.
- Soil: Light, loose, and nutrient-rich.
- Irrigation: Moderate, avoiding overwatering.
Difficulty Level: Medium – Requires well-prepared soil for uniform roots.

9. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidant compounds and vitamins A and K.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Prefers warmth and sunlight (20–30°C).
- Soil: Fertile with good drainage.
- Irrigation: Regular, avoiding waterlogging.
Difficulty Level: Easy – Fast-growing with constant harvest.

10. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Nutritional Benefits: Rich in iron, calcium, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Cultivation Requirements:
- Climate: Prefers mild climates (15–20°C).
- Soil: Fertile, well-drained, and rich in organic matter.
- Irrigation: Moderate, avoiding soil dryness.
Difficulty Level: Easy – Short growth cycle allows for regular production.

Why Are Vermicomposters Considered Vegan?

Respect for the Environment: Veganism is not just a diet but a philosophy of life aimed at minimizing animal suffering and environmental impact. Vermicomposters efficiently transform organic waste into fertilizer, reducing pollution and contributing to soil regeneration, which aligns with vegan values of sustainability.

Natural Cycle of Life: Worms in vermicomposters perform their natural role as decomposers, something that occurs naturally in the environment. This practice does not exploit worms directly but rather creates ideal conditions for them to carry out an activity they would perform spontaneously.

No Cruelty or Exploitation: In a well-managed vermicomposter, worms have adequate space, abundant food, and favorable conditions for their well-being. There is no intention to exploit them, but rather to create a harmonious environment for mutual benefit.

Points of Divergence in the Vegan Community

Interaction with Animals: Some strands of veganism argue that any form of animal use, even in a benign context like a vermicomposter, contradicts the basic principle of non-interference in the lives of other beings.
Perception of Manipulation: The simple act of transferring worms to a controlled environment may be seen by some as a form of manipulation, raising ethical discomfort.
Alternatives: Some vegans prefer composting methods that do not involve worms, such as thermophilic composting or Bokashi systems, to avoid any kind of animal involvement.

Composting Methods: Thermophilic, Bokashi, and Vermicomposters

Based on the provided texts, let us describe thermophilic composting and the Bokashi system, comparing them to vermicomposting in terms of efficiency, advantages, and disadvantages.

1. Thermophilic Composting

Description:
Thermophilic composting uses high temperatures (50–70°C) generated by microbial activity to decompose organic matter in piles or windrows. It is widely used in community and institutional systems due to its scalability. The UFSC Method is an example of thermophilic composting adapted for Brazil, using static piles with passive aeration.

Advantages:

Speed: The process is fast, completing composting in 30 to 90 days.
Pathogen Elimination: High temperatures deactivate pathogens and unwanted seeds, ensuring a safe compost.
Processing Capacity: Ideal for large volumes of waste, such as those generated by fairs, schools, and institutions.

Disadvantages:

Operational Care: Requires monitoring of temperature, humidity, and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio.
Space and Equipment: Needs significant space and basic equipment like thermometers and tools for aeration.
Emissions: If poorly managed, it can release odors and gases.

2. Bokashi System

Description:
Bokashi is an accelerated anaerobic composting method that uses effective microorganisms (EM) and a bran mixture, such as wheat or rice bran. It is particularly suitable for kitchen waste on a small scale.

Advantages:

Speed: Can be completed in as little as 2 weeks.
Practicality: Does not require large spaces or complex maintenance.
Controlled Odor: Due to the anaerobic process, it generates fewer unpleasant odors.

Disadvantages:

Initial Cost: Microorganisms and bran need to be purchased, increasing initial costs.
Limited Use: Best for kitchen waste and less effective for pruning waste or lignified materials.
Maintenance of Microbial Culture: Efficiency depends on live microorganisms, which must be preserved properly.

3. Vermicomposting

Description:
Uses worms (commonly the species Eisenia fetida) to decompose organic matter through aerobic composting. It is popular in households and small community projects.

Advantages:

Nutrient-Rich Compost: Produces worm castings, one of the richest natural fertilizers.
Simple Handling: Ideal for small volumes of waste and limited spaces.
Diverse Waste Handling: Accepts a wide variety of organic waste, such as peels, leaves, and fruit scraps.

Disadvantages:

Time: The process can take up to 90 days to produce mature compost.
Maintenance: Requires attention to temperature, humidity, and pH conditions for the worms' well-being.
Waste Limitations: Cannot process excess citrus, greasy foods, or meats.

Comparative Efficiency: Thermophilic vs. Bokashi vs. Vermicomposters

Criterion	Thermophilic Composting	Bokashi	Vermicomposting
Speed	Fast (30-90 days)	Very fast (2 weeks)	Moderate (60-90 days)
Capacity	High	Medium	Low
Pathogen control	Yes	Limited	Limited
Required space	Large	Small	Small
Initial cost	Low	Moderate	Low

Conclusion: Which Method Is Most Advantageous?

Efficiency and Scale

For those seeking to handle large volumes of waste and achieve rapid pathogen elimination, thermophilic composting is the most advantageous option. Its high capacity and speed make it ideal for institutional and community contexts.

Practicality

In smaller spaces or for those who prefer a quick and easy-to-manage method, Bokashi stands out. Its operational simplicity and short maturation time are ideal for household kitchen waste.

Product Quality

If the main goal is to obtain the most nutrient-rich compost for plants, vermicomposting is undoubtedly the best choice. The worm castings produced are among the most valuable and beneficial natural fertilizers for the soil.

On the Use of Worms

It is worth noting that veganism is not a religion with indisputable dogmas. There are gray areas where consensus is absent or may vary. The use of vermicomposters falls into this category: while many consider this practice aligned with vegan principles, others may prefer alternatives.

The fact is that in vermicomposters, worms are not being exploited abusively. What is harvested from them is the natural result of their biological processes—worm castings—which serve as a potent organic fertilizer. To draw a humorous analogy, it’s like using the waste from our pets (dogs and cats) to fertilize plants—a process that does not constitute exploitation in any way.

It is evident, however, that careful management is required to ensure these animals have a comfortable, stress-free life. In practice, this means providing an environment with adequate moisture, constant food, and space for mobility. In well-designed composting systems, worms can naturally migrate from one container to another as they deplete available nutrients. This behavior is facilitated by pathways connecting different compartments, enabling a spontaneous and healthy transition.

Individual Choice and Awareness

Ultimately, the decision to include or exclude worms in your composting process depends on individual conscience and values. For those who prefer to avoid the presence of animals, methods such as Bokashi or thermophilic composting offer excellent alternatives. However, for those who view vermicomposting as a practical, ecological, and ethical solution, it remains a sustainable and highly efficient option.

The ideal method will depend on the context, specific needs, and possibilities of each project, but above all, it should reflect a commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment.

Author: Alex Fernandes

Support Material:
In the free PDF books below (in Portuguese), you will find more information and tips for implementing your garden and composter.