VermiCUlture aims to provide both vermicomposting kits and educational materials to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign campus community. The education materials convey the importance of vermicomposting, which is the product of earthworm digestion and aerobic decomposition of food waste, and general food waste management. This project is needed on campus since there is currently no community level option for sustainable food waste disposal. The only recycling or waste management option in Urbana-Champaign is the Landscape Recycling Center, but they don’t accept food waste and require payment to give materials. Moreover, there are no organizations, RSOs, or larger campus efforts in the area to compost, much less vermicompost.

VermiCUlture directly impacts campus members because through vermicomposting, people turn their own food waste into organic matter that can be repurposed for alternative uses. This project also have an indirect impact on the community, since the team encourages education and practice, which has a lasting impact both on individuals and society as a whole. Through distributing vermicomposting kits and educational materials for campus community members to complete the composting process on their own, vermiCUlture promotes community change through individual change. Vermicomposting kits are distributed at the YMCA. Anyone can vermicompost with the right materials and knowledge, and this team provides both aspects. All materials are available locally or can be ordered online, and information is distributed virtually.