Joanne Olszewski

Joanne Olszewski is the co-author of the 35th Anniversary Edition of Worms Eat My Garbage, a guide to composting with worms.

A former environmental science teacher and CPA, Joanne understands that there is a connection instead of a conflict between economics and the environment. Rather than throwing away food waste it can be composted with worms and turned into a valuable resource. In the land fill this waste is problematic as it produces methane, however in the garden it provides microbial action which increases food production.

After updating the book her interests expanded to the role of microbes in the soil and how that relates to regenerative agriculture and worms. Presently she is working with teachers to take red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) into the classroom as part of the school's garden programs. She also received support from the Department of Natural Resources in Wisconsin to educate people on choosing the correct worm for composting as there are issues when using the wrong species. These issues include fishing bait and its proper disposal and how to avoid bringing an invasive species into your environment.

Joanne is the owner of Worm Woman Inc. which manufactures the Worm-A-Way Worm Bin designed for use in the classroom. She is a Master Gardener who grows and preserves much of her food. She is also a Master Composter on a mission to change the world a dozen worm bins at a time.

She lives in North West Arkansas and is a land steward in the Ozarks. Learn more about vermicomposting at Wormwoman.com. You can also follow her at Facebook.com/wormwoman and at Instagram.com/wormwoman2.0