Composting: Simple Science, Hands-On Techniques & Community Solutions

Are you intrigued by composting but not sure where to begin? Maybe you're already experienced yet eager to discover new approaches. Join us as we unpack the straightforward science and hands-on techniques behind traditional composting methods—including solutions that even cater to the smallest apartments. We'll also discuss community drop-off options and pickup services available in the Capital District. The session will include a Q&A session, and some great discussion! This event is free, and sponsored by Zero Waste Capital District and Sunray Sustainability.

Facilitated by Richard Daley of Sunray Sustainability

Hosted By: Honest Weight Food Co-op in the Community Room!

This event is part of a free series of classes aimed at educating the Capital District community on composting and the importance of keeping food scraps and organics out of the waste stream.

We have partnered with Yestermorrow Design/Build School to offer this course online.

This practical and engaging online course will serve as an introduction to permaculture, which is an ethics-based design framework for creating sustainable and regenerative systems inspired by natural ecosystems. This course explores the primary ethics and design principles of permaculture, providing tools to design resilient systems.

Over six weeks, you’ll learn about the foundational concepts of permaculture, including the domains of permaculture, ecological observation and site analysis, and the basics of integrated whole systems design. Topics include creating sustainable home-scale systems, composting, rainwater harvesting, and regenerative food production. Through lectures, design tutorials, and a personalized design project, this course will help you identify your strengths and interests within permaculture while providing actionable steps to implement these concepts in your own life. 

Whether you’re new to permaculture or looking to deepen your understanding, this course offers a comprehensive foundation in whole systems thinking.

Course Duration: 6 weeks (Includes live lecture sessions, Q&A sessions, at-home study, and an integrated project)

Weekly Schedule: 2-hour class session on Monday's 6pm-8pm + 1-hour Q&A Thursday's 7pm - 8pm + 1-1.5 hours of at-home video content and supplemental resources.

Permaculture in the Garden & Landscape

Join us for this dynamic introduction to permaculture, a design approach rooted in ethics and principles that help create resilient, productive, and ecologically beneficial landscapes. This workshop will explore how permaculture thinking can be applied to gardens and outdoor spaces, focusing on sustainable design, soil health, biodiversity, and water management. Whether you're a backyard gardener, homesteader, or simply curious about regenerative practices, this session will provide practical insights into working with the natural world to cultivate abundance. No prior experience necessary—just a willingness to rethink how we interact with the land!

This is a free program, open to the public. Registration information will be shared as soon as it is available.

Kids Gardening & Nature Club at Honest Weight Food Co-op! This free program is designed for kids ages 5-12. Older kids are more than welcome to attend and help or mentor younger children!

These workshops include a mixture of Nature inspired lessons or activities, paired with hands-on activities either in the garden or in the community room, dependent on the weather. There will be movement, gardening fun for all, and sometimes music! Kids are welcome to bring their own pair of gardening gloves and favorite tool, but gloves and tools will also be available to borrow. We will meet March through October on the 3rd Sunday from 11am to 12pm. You can find us either in the community room or in the garden. Spots the bunny also comes for petting! Registration not required, but encouraged.

Interested in raising backyard chickens but not sure where to start?This class is designed for those looking to keep small flocks, with a focus on cold-hardy heritage breeds. We'll explore essential topics like secure and comfortable coop setups, feeding and caring for your flock, and keeping chickens happy and healthy during northeast winters. Participants will gain practical knowledge on local regulations, predator protection, and manure management, helping you confidently care for your own backyard flock. Whether you're looking for fresh eggs, natural pest control, the joy of raising chickens, or simply planning to start with a few hens or improve your current setup, this two part workshop will provide the insights and resources needed for success. No prior experience required!

Registration for this class is not yet available! Check back in the future!

Interested in raising backyard chickens but not sure where to start?This class is designed for those looking to keep small flocks, with a focus on cold-hardy heritage breeds. We'll explore essential topics like secure and comfortable coop setups, feeding and caring for your flock, and keeping chickens happy and healthy during northeast winters. Participants will gain practical knowledge on local regulations, predator protection, and manure management, helping you confidently care for your own backyard flock. Whether you're looking for fresh eggs, natural pest control, the joy of raising chickens, or simply planning to start with a few hens or improve your current setup, this two part workshop will provide the insights and resources needed for success. No prior experience required!

Registration for this class is not yet available! Check back in the future!

Discover the power of nurturing soil to create thriving, eco-friendly gardens that give back to the Earth. This workshop will focus on enriching soil health, fostering vibrant ecosystems, and ensuring your garden is beyond sustainable, and environmentally conscious. Whether you're a seasoned gardener looking for a new perspective, or just starting out in the gardening world, this workshop will be helpful on your gardening journey.

Registration for this class is not yet available! Check back in the future!

Composting: Simple Science, Hands-On Techniques & Community Solutions

Are you intrigued by composting but not sure where to begin? Maybe you're already experienced yet eager to discover new approaches. Join us as we unpack the straightforward science and hands-on techniques behind traditional composting methods—including solutions that even cater to the smallest apartments. We'll also discuss community drop-off options and pickup services available in the Capital District. The session will include a Q&A session, and some great discussion! This event is free, and sponsored by Zero Waste Capital District and Sunray Sustainability.

Facilitated by Richard Daley of Sunray Sustainability

Hosted By: Guilderland Public Library, no need to register, just show up!

This event is part of a free series of classes aimed at educating the Capital District community on composting and the importance of keeping food scraps and organics out of the waste stream.