Circularity on your own doorstep

Organic circularity in the BeeTotem

a closed system for sustainability. The organic circularity in the BeeTotem includes the intention to create a self-contained system in which resources, products and materials are used, upcycled and reused in an environmentally friendly way rather than being thrown away as waste. This approach is in line with a regenerative strategy for resource management that aims not only at minimising waste, but also at reducing environmental impact and optimising the use of resources. In a way it reflects the principles of quantum physics, where nothing is truly wasted but can be transformed and reused in the ecosystem of the circular economy.

The role of Eisenia fetida: worms as leading players in the BeeTotem

BeeTotems are generous in size, with a diameter of 120 centimetres. These structures act as top restaurants designed exclusively for specific species of wild bee. At the core of each totem is a tube inhabited by tiger worms, scientifically known as Eisenia fetida. These worms play a crucial role in the system by consuming organic kitchen waste, mainly vegetable scraps. Local residents have formally committed to nurturing the BeeTotems by signing a covenant. Their dedication shows in watering the plants and feeding the worms with kitchen scrapings.

‘Liquid gold’ for plants and wild bees:

the effect of worm tea

As the worms crawl through the openings in the tube, they release a valuable substance, often called ‘worm tea’. This liquid is also known as ‘liquid gold’ because of its remarkable properties: it acts as a natural insect repellent while strengthening the plant’s inherent disease resistance and resilience. What makes this elixir particularly valuable is its rich composition, which contains substantial amounts of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and calcium. These essential nutrients are absorbed immediately by the growing plants and act as an exceptional natural fertiliser that promotes their growth and overall health.

BeeTotem as a living circulatory system

quality and resilience in the wild bee population

As a result, these plants supply excellent pollen and nectar, which they pass on generously to the corresponding wild bee species. Each individual totem is carefully dedicated to a specific wild bee, taking its particular plant preferences into account. This careful attention to food quality, achieved through high-quality nectar and pollen, leads to robust growth and high resilience in subsequent generations of wild bees. In short, the BeeTotem is a dynamic, living and interconnected circulatory system.