Editing Land lab (section)

== Waste streams used in land labs ==
[[File:Rainwater Collection System.jpg|alt=Rainwater is collected from a rooftop of a tiny house and then diverted into two 275 gallon IBC totes.  This is an affordable way to capture water for the gardens, livestock, and other land lab uses.|thumb|Rainwater is collected from a rooftop of a tiny house and then diverted into two 275 gallon IBC totes.  This is an affordable way to capture water for the gardens, livestock, and other land lab uses.]]
Multiple types of local "waste" streams, that can often be obtained freely, can be used to supply a land lab with the raw materials to build soil, generate power, grow food, and restore biodiversity.

* [[Woodchips]] - Used for garden paths, mulch, composting & biochar. Often available from local tree companies or municipalities for free.
* [[Grass clipping]]s - Used for compost and mulch.  Available from neighbors and onsite.
* Leaves - Used for compost and mulch.  Available from neighbors and onsite.
* [[Food loss and waste|Food waste]] - Used for composting, [[Biogas|methane production]], liquid fertilizer, and feeding [[Black soldier flies|BSF]].
* [[Coffee grounds]] - Used for composting and BSF production.
* [[Pallet]]s (Non-treated) - Used for making raised beds, biochar, composting bins, and other structures.
* [[Intermediate bulk container|IBC totes]] (Food grade) - Used for storing rainwater and liquid fertilizer. 
* 5 Gallon Buckets - Used for collecting food waste, and other waste streams.
* Shredded paper - Used for composting.
* Shredded cardboard - Used for composting.
* Newspapers - Used for composting and mulching.
* Logs - Used for [[pollinator]] habitats.  Freely availably from many tree companies.
* Reclaimed lumber (non treated) - Used for raised beds, biochar, and small building projects.
* Billboard tarps - Used for rainwater catchment, roofing, and shade cloths.  Freely available from billboard companies.

Part of the process of building a land lab is developing relationships with local businesses, neighbors, restaurants, and community members to begin [[upcycling]] these wastes into the materials and systems needed within a land lab.  Many people have a desire to help students who are working hard on a meaningful community project.  Much of the materials listed above can be had for little to no cost as relationships are formed.