“A new community housing project in the Bronx, United States (US), has a cool new machine – an aerobic digester,” Scorch announced.
“What’s an aerobic digester?” Orak said.
“What does it do?” Verum said.
“Aerobic digester is a machine that can convert food scraps into fertilizer. Fertilizers are added to soil in gardens to keep the plants well-nourished. The digester can convert 1,100 pounds of food scrap into 220 pounds of fertilizer every day!” Scorch said.
“Impressive. It’s also environmentally friendly,” Felix said.
“You’re right, Felix. Food waste makes up 30% of the total trash collected in the US. If there’s a similar digester in every apartment block or building, it will be a huge help for the environment,” Scorch said.
“How does the digester break down food waste?” Orak said. He was curious about the science behind the machine.
“It is filled with bacteria that break down food waste. Harp Renewables build the digester. Currently, it is a part of The Peninsula, a community housing development. The Peninsula will have 740 units of affordable housing, industrial space, commercial space, and lots of green space! All of them can send their food waste to the digester. The fertilizer then can be added to gardens,” Scorch explained.
“Great plan,” Verum noted.
“When fertilizers are produced and transported from far away, they release a lot of harmful gasses in the atmosphere. But the digester will keep all the gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane in the fertilizer. They won’t enter the atmosphere. It will help reduce pollution,” Scorch said.
“Since the fertilizers will be produced so close to the gardens, it will also help reduce the New York City traffic!” Orak said.
“I hope digesters become popular everywhere in the world!” Felix said.