Monthly Newsletter

Winter composting in Montana is challenging. Compost needs a consistently warm and humid environment for optimal decomposition. Montana is dry, has wild daily temperature swings and is cold. Montana composters have to adapt to these challenges. At Soil Cycle, we've adapted to our own limitations by creating an oversized insulated bin system.

Your average composter is likely familiar with the “three-bin” wooden construction compost system. Each bin is sized at 3’x3’x3’ to hold a yard of material, making for a total of three yards of space. In a state with more welcoming weather these systems work well, but in Montana a single yard of compost can easily freeze solid. My first experience composting in Montana involved me excitedly building a bear-proof three bin system that kept the bears out, but never quite reached the right temperature in the summer due to cool nights. Unfortunately, it froze into a solid block in the winter. Although the pile was slowly breaking down, it quickly became clear that it was not sufficient for composting at a reasonable pace.

What drew you to volunteer with us?
I wanted to volunteer with Soil Cycle as a way to stay busy and active during these hard times, and I wanted to do something I’m passionate about and that would inspire me. 

How did you become interested in composting and sustainability?
I first became interested in sustainability about 6 years ago, when I started learning about the ethical and environmental impacts of large scale agriculture and the meat industry. Then last summer, because of the pandemic, I was working on a trail crew in remote Idaho. We lived so simply and minimally, we foraged for mushrooms and plants, we built a worm bin for composting. It was magical. And my passion (and growing distress) for the environment was renewed when we came back to the city. That’s when I decided to volunteer with Soil Cycle! 

What volunteer projects are you working on at Soil Cycle?
So far, I have helped build new compost piles, which consists of chopping food waste and other compostable items into manageable sizes and mixing with a carbon source such as dead leaves, then shoveling that into the compost bins and covering it for insulation. I have also helped turn compost piles which ensures a more even and efficient decomposition process. And when I got my first tour of Soil Cycle I got to collect renegade black soldier fly maggots and tuck them back into their enclosure. It’s a beautiful process! 

How do you incorporate sustainability into your own life?
I truly believe the key to sustainability is practicing minimalism in a culture of consumerism. So aside from my involvement with Soil Cycle, I do my best to follow a whole food, plant-based diet and refuse single use plastics as often as possible. It’s not easy but it’s worth it! 

Anything else you want to share?
I genuinely admire Soil Cycle’s commitment to sustainability and I’m honored to contribute to their mission! 

Karlissa, we are honored to have you as part of the Soil Cycle team. We love our volunteers!