More about vermicomposting worms: they eat newspapers, too

After reading this interesting Enquirer article about the worm-filled, 18-gallon vermicomposting container in the break room of Norwood architect firm Emersion Design, we just had know more. Nikki Marksberry who does marketing for Emersion Design was quoted in the article. We’ve published several news items she’s sent us about the firm, so we contacted her with a couple of questions the article didn’t address: 1.) Does the container stink up the break room? and 2.) Why the shredded paper on top? Regarding the latter, Nikki told the Enquirer, "You cover it with moist, shredded paper and that's it," Marksberry said. "The worms do their thing."

Anyone thinking about starting a home or office vermicomposting container will find Nikki’s response very reassuring about the odor as well as enlightening about this thing the worms do:

“So glad you liked the article. We are very proud of our worms and the now LEED CI Platinum office space we are operating out of here in the Hamilton County Business Center. The vermicompost does not smell in part because of the wet paper. The paper helps cover up the decomposing food (like the leaves in your back yard), keeping other insects away, provides much needed moisture for the worms, and absorbs odor. The worms eat the newspaper too! Thanks for reposting the article and Happy Earth Day to you!”

Thank you, Nikki, for sharing this with our readers, and congratulations to Emersion Design for being the first architecture and engineering firm in the world to operate out of a LEED Platinum office space.