July 26th 2019, 10:00 to 16:30
Quinta do Vale, Benfeita, Arganil, Central Portugal
Quinta do Vale is hosting a one-day VERMICOMPOSTING TOILET WORKSHOP on our very own vermicomposting flush toilet system on July 26th 2019. This will be the final day of a 2-week NATURAL BUILD-IN to construct a new toilet for the quinta and we’re turning it into a workshop to allow more people to come and learn about the system.
At the moment, it’s the only vermicomposting workshop I’m teaching this year.
This workshop will not only give you the chance to help commission a new system, but also to see the original one that’s been working away for 5 years now.
For full details of this workshop and a registration form, please see the event on our website. 
October 14th 2017, 10:00 to 16:00
Quinta do Vale, Rua Senhora de ao pé da Cruz, Anceriz, Arganil, Central Portugal
The one-day workshop will cover the theory and practice of installing a DIY vermicomposting sewerage system based on a flush toilet. This system combines all the ecological advantages of a dry composting toilet system with the user-friendliness and convenience of a flush toilet and has a 20-year history of trouble-free use by the system’s original designer in the USA. It requires minimal maintenance compared to dry systems and has significant environmental advantages over conventional septic tanks. The system can be used in approved housebuilding and renovation projects in Portugal under the provisions for “septic tank with drainage”.
The outline plan for the workshop is as follows …
10-11:00am Tea/Coffee on arrival.
Informal get together and exchange of ideas/information about your individual projects and reasons for attending the workshop.
11:00-12:30am The Theory.
Why vermicomposting? Where and how is vermicomposting being used in sewerage systems and bioremediation projects worldwide? How does this system work? What’s its history? How is it constructed? What maintenance is involved? How does the system regulate itself? What are the environmental advantages?
Questions are encouraged throughout the session, whether in relation to your own project (planned or potential) or to the science in general, but please try to keep these appropriate to the general focus and flow of the session.
12:30-1:30pm Lunch.
1:30-3:30pm The Practice.
Hands-on installation of the system. The system does take a bit longer than 2 hours to construct and install, but preparatory work will have been done in such a way that you’ll be able to see all parts of the system clearly and take part in the final stages of installation. Bring working gloves and wear suitable clothes.
3.30-4.00pm Tea/Coffee.
Informal get together and summing up of the project. Any remaining questions.
COURSE LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS
Wendy Howard has installed a vermicomposting flush toilet on her own quinta and, together with local architect Filipa Ripley, has been the driving force behind the enthusiastic adoption of vermicomposting sewerage systems by the municipality of Arganil in Central Portugal. The first of her version of Anna Edey’s original open source design has now been installed in a local village and more are to follow. She hopes to work with other local councils to demonstrate the benefits of this system and to encourage its widespread adoption throughout the country.
COURSE FEE: 35 euros including lunch and refreshments
Overnight accommodation is available at extra charge.
MORE INFO / BOOKINGS: eco.vfr@gmail.com
June 17th-18th 2017 (Weekend workshop)
Terra Alta, Sintra, Portugal
Ecological Sewerage Treatment – Module 2 of 16-day Natural Building Workshop
Facilitators: Wendy Howard & Vera Filipa Ripley
This module will cover ecological sewerage treatment methods, focusing mainly on the theory and practice of installing a vermicomposting flush toilet system. This system combines all the ecological advantages of a dry composting toilet system with the user-friendliness and convenience of a flush toilet. It has a 20-year history of trouble-free use by the system’s originator in the USA. The simplified version of the system developed here in Portugal requires minimal maintenance compared to dry systems and has significant environmental advantages over conventional septic tanks. It needs no energy input or machinery and utilises low cost components, many of which can be sourced from existing waste streams. It can now be used in approved housebuilding and renovation projects in some areas of Portugal under the provisions for “septic tank with drainage”. The workshop will also cover other methods of ecological sewerage treatment for situations where a vermicomposting system may not be so optimal.
The practical part of the workshop will involve participants in the installation of 3 new vermicomposting toilets for Terra Alta. We will also show how the system can be retrofitted to existing septic tank sanitation systems and include grey water processing.
Price: 125,00€ (early bird until 1st April – 100,00€)
For further details, accommodation, booking, etc, see Terra Alta’s site.
April 30th 2017
A vida Fausto, Cerdeira, Portugal
Vermicomposting Flush Toilet Workshop and Luxury Life Weekender
Now Winter hibernation is over and Spring asks for initiation and new beginnings, I decided to organise an intimate gathering for those who expressed interest in learning more about A vida Fausto; those who would like to explore this region and possibly buy land; those who are preparing an off-grid life for themselves and/or those who just like to visit me for a weekend and learn some interesting techniques from my wonderful neighbours at the same time. It seems that I am the rest of the year very busy with a broad spectrum of exciting projects, so I won’t see much of a window for friendly gatherings until November again 🙂
╰☆ Vermicomposting flush toilet workshop with Wendy
There are lots of great things happening at and around A vida Fausto and I feel blessed to be surrounded by very talented, inspiring people. Wendy is one of them. Before I moved to Portugal I was already following her blog with lots of admiration. Not knowing that I would eventually become her neighbour as I found out weeks later after buying my land. In my opinion she has developed and tested an incredible important tool on how we can dispose our human waste in a sustainable circular way. Not only something that provides a welcome solution to those living off-grid, now carrying the heavy load of sawdust buckets every week, but something that can be upscaled to a global market and applied to rural as well as urban areas, for residential as well as industrial purpose with very low expenses.
Her vermicomposting flush toilet works like any other toilet you are used to in the city and is able to handle household gray water. The difference is that an army of worms and microorganisms work around the clock to transform the waste in such a way that it’s very clean. This way it can be used directly on the land again without the need for kilometres long sewerage pipe systems or nasty chemicals. You can read more upon the system here http://www.vermicompostingtoilets.net/
Wendy has reached a milestone by getting approval from the local government for this type of toilet to be installed in any residential building project without the need for extra licensing. Considering the bureaucratic system in regards to building codes in Portugal, she has paved the way for those newly arriving here to be able to install this ecological sound system in our homes. Hopefully many other municipalities will follow this example.
╰☆ Festa de Floresta
For the first time the people in and around Benfeita are organising a day to celberate the forest. It is a community organised event to raise awareness of the unrealised potential of returning local land to native broadleaf woodland.
At the Festa da Floresta, you will find: talks and workshops on a range of topics connected to reforestation, sustainable woodland management and biodiversity; a market of local craftspeople working with wood and natural forest products; and lively discussion amongst local residents. There will be displays by local children a dinner in the evening with music performances and dancing afterwards. Here you find more info: http://www.awakenedforestproject.org/en/festa-da-floresta-may-1st-2017
It’s a perfect day to see the community in action, meet people from around here and exchange ideas about those wonderful beings called Trees and a sustainable future for all.
╰☆ The Weekender Program
Sunday – Workshop day (30 euro p.p.)
09.00-09.30 Coffee/tea, treats and Introduction
09.30-12.00 Vermicomposting toilet science and design with Wendy
12.00-13.00 Organic plant powered lunch
13.00-17.00 Installing worm tank, worms, organic matter and drainage
18.00 (optional) dinner in local restaurant
Monday (optional)
All day – Festa de Floresta in Benfeita
╰☆ Reservation & Booking ☆╮
I don’t want to make profit of this weekend, but I do like to pay a fair wage to those sharing their knowledge and skills with us and cover the costs for healthy nutrition. The package price for the workshop on Sunday incl organic lunch, coffee, tea and fruit water during the day, tools and materials is 30 euro per person.
In order to reserve a place for this weekend, send an email with full name(s) to avidafausto@gmail.com Participation is confirmed after receiving a bank transfer of the full amount.
For those travelling from further away, I am happy to discuss accommodation options. If you are staying over for the night from Saturday to Sunday, breakfast on Sunday is “Make your own” where organic ingredients are provided.
Because I’d like to invite everyone for an intimate, enjoyable and friendly experience, the group is limited to a maximum of 10. I hope to share A vida Fausto, the luxury life, with you, while getting our hands dirty. Feel free to invite friends!
February 11th 2017, 10:00 to 16:00
Quinta dos Covōes, Fornos de Algodres, Central Portugal
Come and take part in the installation of a vermicomposting toilet with Wendy Howard at Quinta dos Covōes!
This one-day workshop will cover the theory and practice of installing a DIY vermicomposting sewerage system based on a flush toilet. This system combines all the ecological advantages of a dry composting toilet system with the user-friendliness and convenience of a flush toilet and has a 20-year history of trouble-free use by the system’s designer in the USA. It requires minimal maintenance compared to dry systems and has significant environmental advantages over conventional septic tanks. The system can be used in approved housebuilding and renovation projects in Portugal under the provisions for “septic tank with drainage”.
The installation will be a retrofit to an existing septic tank sewerage system, but is equally applicable to anyone wanting to install a system from scratch.
The outline plan for the workshop is as follows …
10-11:00am Tea/Coffee on arrival.
Informal get together and exchange of ideas/information about your individual projects and reasons for attending the workshop.
11:00-12:30am The Theory.
Why vermicomposting? Where and how is vermicomposting being used in sewerage systems and bioremediation projects worldwide? How does this system work? What’s its history? How is it constructed? What maintenance is involved? How does the system regulate itself? What are the environmental advantages?
Questions are encouraged throughout the session, whether in relation to your own project (planned or potential) or to the science in general, but please try to keep these appropriate to the general focus and flow of the session.
12:30-1:30pm Lunch.
1:30-3:30pm The Practice.
Hands-on installation of the system. The system does take a bit longer than 2 hours to construct and install, but preparatory work will have been done in such a way that you’ll be able to see all parts of the system clearly and take part in the final stages of installation. Bring working gloves and wear suitable clothes.
3.30-4.00pm Tea/Coffee.
Informal get together and summing up of the project. Any remaining questions.
COURSE LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS
Wendy Howard has installed a vermicomposting flush toilet on her own quinta and, together with local architect Filipa Ripley, has been the driving force behind the enthusiastic adoption of vermicomposting sewerage systems by the municipality of Arganil in Central Portugal. The first of her version of Anna Edey’s original open source design has now been installed in a local village and more are to follow. She hopes to work with other local councils to demonstrate the benefits of this system and to encourage its widespread adoption throughout the country.
COURSE FEE: 35 euros including lunch and refreshments
Overnight accommodation is available at extra charge.
MORE INFO / BOOKINGS: quintadoscovoes@gmail.com
November 12th 2016, 10:00 to 16:00
Quinta do Doutor, Fornos de Algodres, Central Portugal
Come and take part in the installation of a vermicomposting toilet with Wendy Howard at Quinta do Doutor!
This one-day workshop will cover the theory and practice of installing a DIY vermicomposting sewerage system based on a flush toilet. This system combines all the ecological advantages of a dry composting toilet system with the user-friendliness and convenience of a flush toilet and has a 20-year history of trouble-free use by the system’s designer in the USA. It requires minimal maintenance compared to dry systems and has significant environmental advantages over conventional septic tanks. The system can be used in approved housebuilding and renovation projects in Portugal under the provisions for “septic tank with drainage”.
The installation will be a retrofit to an existing septic tank sewerage system, but is equally applicable to anyone wanting to install a system from scratch.
The outline plan for the workshop is as follows …
10-11:00am Tea/Coffee on arrival.
Informal get together and exchange of ideas/information about your individual projects and reasons for attending the workshop.
11:00-12:30am The Theory.
Why vermicomposting? Where and how is vermicomposting being used in sewerage systems and bioremediation projects worldwide? How does this system work? What’s its history? How is it constructed? What maintenance is involved? How does the system regulate itself? What are the environmental advantages?
Questions are encouraged throughout the session, whether in relation to your own project (planned or potential) or to the science in general, but please try to keep these appropriate to the general focus and flow of the session.
12:30-1:30pm Lunch.
1:30-3:30pm The Practice.
Hands-on installation of the system. The system does take a bit longer than 2 hours to construct and install, but preparatory work will have been done in such a way that you’ll be able to see all parts of the system clearly and take part in the final stages of installation. Bring working gloves and wear suitable clothes.
3.30-4.00pm Tea/Coffee.
Informal get together and summing up of the project. Any remaining questions.
COURSE LIMITED TO 10 PARTICIPANTS
Wendy Howard has installed a vermicomposting flush toilet on her own quinta and, together with local architect Filipa Ripley, has been the driving force behind the enthusiastic adoption of vermicomposting sewerage systems by the municipality of Arganil in Central Portugal. The first of her version of Anna Edey’s original open source design has now been installed in a local village and more are to follow. She hopes to work with other local councils to demonstrate the benefits of this system and to encourage its widespread adoption throughout the country.
COURSE FEE: 35 euros including lunch and refreshments
Overnight accommodation is available at extra charge.
MORE INFO / BOOKINGS: quintadodoutor@gmail.com