theresa tulsiak

I was given a system by the city, who was trying to burn through some grant money- it's fairly 'tedious?' to put together and is quite large as well so I don't want to have to move it. (I also didn't realize I had to seed it with 25 gallons of manure, lol) I am excited at the idea of the possibility of demonstrating alternative energy and waste management systems and wondering if it would be put to better use by donating to an organization that is more knowledgable/proficient/ or visible to make a bigger impact. I was thinking a school, but after being shut down by multiple schools several years ago when I tried to start gardens, I feel torn by the potential bureaucracy even though we've come a ways, they still don't like to let the kids eat what is grown, although that may have more to do with stepping on toes of the companies who supply the official school lunches.
Does anyone have any thoughts on this? They cost around a grand to buy, and even though there was supposed to be more engagement, noone at the city knows anything about it, and the person in charge was an intern now gone. It definitely needs someone to oversee it, and while I compost, I havent been successful at STARTING much- my previous attempt at a Makerspace failed, and even collaborating to start an aquaponics component at a local community garden was met with resistance ( that was due to my questioning the Budget, which listed gloves, building components, and other supplies at a HUGE markup of retail prices instead of sourcing them more economically) I am good at ideas, and financially supporting them, but it's been hard to get others to see new ideas as clearly...For example, I read that using pond bottom muck can be used to start composting systems, in my local community, but people's ignorance and resistnce to change is  frustrating, especially when I don't have the experience, just the willingness. I have tried engaging with local officials, suggesting introduction of graywater as an option, even contacted Insinkerator to discuss a project that would pre- chop organic waste, and the VP who called me back informed me that once local officials invest in  waste to energy plant, they aren't interested in anything that at all interferes with them 'feeding the beast'. It was an honest insight that I appreciated, but I inadvertantly caused a councilperson to ressurect his inaccurately coined 'Toilet to Tap' dismissal of any reclaimed water initiative. And got me a call from another vice-president- this one from Mosaic, who thanked me for 'caring about Mother Earth' but suggested I leave the big decisions to the experts- this was in response to my comment about their ongoing permit for dumping Process Water into our water supply- somehow he got my phone number, address and personal info about me- and this was in 2009. It started souring me on trying to make change  but I'm starting back up with baby steps...

Sadly, I scrolled to the end to see it sold, but for much less than listed for. How do you get notifications? My daughter just moved to Seattle and I would be DOWN to buy anything out there! I just got a methane digester and have solar panels- will travel...

TP is not your friend. That's why other countries love Bidets, but Americans are squeamish for some reason. Much more sanitary IMO. We also overuse garbage disposals instead of composting which is another problem. Very little vegetative waste should be going down the sink- what about a diverter to capture the rinse off from dishes and directing to your compost area? Washers pump out vast quantities of water which I believe can be used for watering if its the right detergent. Of course I think shower water is fine too- do we forget all the crap that's running off the roofs and streets, starting with animal waste?
The goal is to prevent graywater from BECOMING blackwater, and to limit the strain on the septic tank so the drain FIELD can filter the water.

Just because they are easier to repair doesn't mean you can. They just raise the price of the part to be incompatible with the time and money spent. Despite this, I attempted to repair a High Efficiency LG washer that spun so fast it not only shook my whole house. It was recalled and they turned the RPMs down but it eventually loosened the bolts which suspended the drum, causing the part  to drop down inside. Simply get it out and replace it right? After the repairman was truly ignorant about that basic task, several phone calls resulted in finally getting a part that included the entire assembly, I was unable to access the place to reattach, without cutting through the bottom - which I did. Unable to balance and attach this heavy drum alone I finally abandoned the project, sadly as there were any number of computerized circuits that I assumed someone could have used if they knew how. But I salvaged the drum and am composting in it.

To join your soapbox, I will add that in the US where I live, many of the young as well as middle aged people have grown so accustomed to the  cheap Harbor Freight type tools that unless its a one and done (hopefully) we don't see the wisdom in buying GOOD tools.

While I disagree, I have failed in my efforts to support a TOOL exchange, Makerspace, Time Bank and even Community Gardens because there was so little interest by the community I live in (Tampa). In addition, the local schools have been very slow to teach kids about sustainability, alternative careers to college, and even the Collaborative Process.

It is discouraging. Although I see some progress with grassroots efforts, and even organizations like Verge and other Green Building efforts, progress is impeded by the lack of knowledge at every level, but mostly by the greed of government officials and private businesses. I have hope that the Market will decide, and people will start wanting a more civilized discourse, and also a simpler life  that includes the satisfaction of knowing HOW to work on their own house and land, but an openminded view to the sacred economy. But first we have to get off our asses, away from our phones, and start doing instead of observing (and commenting)

How many pieces should a potato be cut into before planting? can every sprouted eye be planted separately? Thanks.

As for your videos that aren't getting views, I suggest you talk about the work you've done, mistakes made and ruminations about how to change things up. People love to jump in and help I think, and especially if you have done things that they 'would NEVER have done'! But people like to get something out of a video they view- needs met can be feeling superior, or knowing how to help you, or being inspired to try something themselves. Don't make the mistake of thinking how someone might respond, just try and cover many possibilities.