Educational Workshops & Speaking
Available across Delhi
Pricing Guide
Virtual Composting & Vermiculture Workshop (90 Mins)
Session Logistics
- Duration: 90 Minutes (60 mins presentation + 30 mins Q&A)
- Platform: Live via Zoom
- Capacity: Up to 40 participants (Housing Societies, Corporates)
Core Curriculum
- Fundamentals: Science of moisture control, aeration, and ratio of Browns to Greens
- Sifting: Detailed walkthrough of DIY sifter designs and mechanics
- Integration: Utilizing poultry to process waste and turn piles
- Vermicomposting: Guide to indoor worm bin setup for apartments
- Troubleshooting: Fixing odors, pests, and slow decomposition
Digital Materials
- PDF Guide: Composting Ins and Outs cheat sheet
- Design Sketch: Dimensions and instructions for DIY compost sifter
In-Person Food Waste Advocacy Speaker (60 Mins)
Event Specs
- Duration: 60 Minutes (45 min talk + 15 min Q&A)
- Venue: On-site at schools, town halls, or community centers
- Coverage: Includes local metro city travel
Speaking Topics
- Circular Economy: Closing the metabolic loop from table to farm
- Regulatory Challenges: Navigating zoning laws and bureaucracy as a green business
- Community Impact: Decentralized composting to reduce fossil fuel usage
Live Demonstration
- Tactile Exhibit: 5-gallon bucket showcase of finished, sifted compost
- Audience Interaction: Q&A on home waste management
- Giveaways: Compost awareness stickers (subject to stock)
Private DIY Composting & Poultry Consultation
Consultation Details
- Format: 60 Minute Video Call (WhatsApp or Zoom)
- Preparation: Provider reviews client site photos beforehand
- Focus: Apartment Balcony, Terrace, or Backyard setups
Technical Advisory
- Infrastructure: Advice on building durable bays using low-cost materials (pallets, tin)
- Fabrication: Instructions for building compost sifters that avoid common weld failures
- Poultry Integration: Breed selection advice for specific Indian metro climates
Output
- Verbal summary of immediate action plan
- Resource recommendations for sourcing carbon materials (sawdust/leaves)
About Educational Workshops & Speaking
Why I Teach Composting
I’m Maria, and for me, composting isn’t just a side project - it’s a calling. I talk about composting even when our main service gets shut down, because I honestly believe turning food scraps into garden gold is something everyone should know. Closing the loop from kitchen to garden gives back to our community and the earth.
What My Workshops Cover
I lead live, virtual workshops on Zoom, usually 90 minutes with lots of Q&A. You get real answers, not just theory. Topics I cover:
- Composting ins and outs for beginners
- Turning kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich compost (garden gold)
- Composting with chickens - sharing what’s worked and what’s flopped at my own farm
- The true story of Delhi Community Compost, with all the wins and messy bits
Sometimes I co-host with other experts in sustainable gardening, so you get even more voices and experience.
Speaking & Advocacy
I’m not shy about sharing the tough stuff. At local meetings, I talk about the real challenges of community composting workshop efforts, and what it’s like to run a small, green project. I go into the nitty gritty of food waste solutions education and how it impacts our local food systems, regulations, and everyday life.
Learning By Doing
I believe the best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty. That’s why I’m working on a farm internship program, so folks can actually see how farming and composting work together. For now, payment comes in veggies and farm eggs.
The Real Deal
This journey isn’t always pretty - broken gear, regulations, late nights, you name it. But I’m still here, sharing what I’ve learned, and hoping to help others find their own way into composting. If you want honesty, practical advice, and a little bit of mud, I’ve got you covered.
Meet your Expert
Maria Schermerhorn
12 connects in last 3 months
My Story
So, here’s the real story. I got hooked on composting after reading about some folks up in Vermont. Next thing, my brother Joel and I were knee-deep in food scraps right here in Delhi. Just to be clear, he’s my brother, not my husband—newspapers got that wrong once! We grew too quick, neighbors got cranky, rats showed up, and the town shut us down. Still, we’re not giving up. For now, we’re selling compost and eggs, keeping the dream alive. #foodwastewarrior, always.
My Work
What We Offer - Right now, we sell sifted garden compost, pastured meat chickens, and local farm eggs. Food waste pick-up’s on pause.
Chicken-Powered Composting - Our chickens help break down food scraps, mixing and aerating, making compost that’s perfect for your garden.
Keeping It Honest - We’ve hit some bumps—town orders, permit headaches, money short. We’re upfront with folks, this is a community thing.
Ideas for Tomorrow - Thinking about a hub-and-spoke model, teaming up with other farms. Got ideas? Hit us up, always open.