- Flies eat food scraps and quickly become protein-rich larvae.
- A small bioreactor uses flies to break down waste.
- The system turns this waste into feed and fertilizer for farms.
- One person can build the device from common materials.
- It costs much less than large industrial waste plants.
- Larvae and frass are useful as feed and fertilizer.
- The bioreactor needs a cool, shaded space to work well.
- Users add water and wood chips and watch temperature.
Difficult words
- bioreactor — a device that uses living things to change material
- larva — a young insect stage after hatching, before adultlarvae
- frass — insect droppings used as a natural plant nutrient
- fertilizer — material added to soil to help plants grow
- waste — things people throw away because they do not need
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you build this device at home?
- Do you have a cool, shaded space near your house?
- Do you use fertilizer in a garden?
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