January 24, 2026|Chickens, Cows, Farm Life, Gardening, Goats, Holistic, Homesteading, Horses, Livestock, Llamas, Recipes, Sustainability, Tips
Happy New Year from Lange Girl Farms! As we wrap up the holiday season in Southeast Michigan, January is our time for a gentle post-holiday zero-waste farm reset. From repurposing those last evergreen clippings to brewing nutrient-rich compost tea with our alpaca/llama poop, it’s all about closing the loop and prepping for spring without waste. We’ve been refining these habits for years on the homestead, and they keep things simple and sustainable. Today, I’ll share our favorite zero-waste practices, including a step-by-step for alpaca poop compost tea—nature’s gold for gardens. Let’s turn holiday “leftovers” into homestead treasures!
Why a Post-Holiday Zero-Waste Reset?
The holidays bring abundance—greens for decor, extra kitchen scraps, and farm “byproducts” like animal manure. A zero-waste approach:
- Reduces landfill contributions.
- Enriches soil for spring planting.
- Saves money on fertilizers and cleaners.
- Teaches stewardship in action.
It’s a natural extension of our farm rhythm.
Our Post-Holiday Zero-Waste Practices
Here’s how we reset without waste:
Evergreen Clippings Repurpose
- Chop for animal bedding (chickens, ducks, rabbits love the scent).
- Steep in water for a mild disinfectant spray.
- Add to compost as carbon layer.
Kitchen Scraps to Stock or Feed
- Veggie peels and ends for bone/chicken stock.
- Safe scraps (carrot tops, apple cores) for rabbits or chickens.
- Everything else to compost.
Gift Wrap & Ribbon Reuse
- Save tissue and ribbons for next year.
- Shred paper for animal bedding or compost.
Alpaca/Llama Poop Compost Tea
- Our fiber animals produce “cold” manure—perfect for direct garden use or tea.
- Recipe below—rich in nitrogen and microbes.
Farm Inventory & Declutter
- Check feed stores, tools, and supplies.
- Donate or repurpose unused items.
Step-by-Step Alpaca Poop Compost Tea
Our llamas and alpacas (Rosie Red the Suri and Magnolia the Huacaya) provide the best “black gold” compost tea.
- Fill a 5-gallon bucket 1/3 with fresh alpaca/llama poop (aged 6 months if possible).
- Add water to fill, stir well.
- Cover and steep 3-7 days (stir daily).
- Strain through burlap or cheesecloth.
- Dilute 1:10 with water for plants.
- Use undiluted on compost piles.
Table: Compost Tea Application Guide
Use
Dilution
Frequency
Garden Beds
1:10
Every 2 weeks
Houseplants
1:20
Monthly
Seedlings
1:20
Weekly
Compost Activator
Undiluted
As needed
Other Zero-Waste Tips
- Save orange peels for vinegar cleaner infusion.
- Use old holiday cards for gift tags or bookmarks.
- Turn fabric scraps into rag rugs or cleaning cloths.
Wrapping Up
A post-holiday zero-waste reset keeps the homestead running smoothly and sustainably—from greens in bedding to alpaca poop tea enriching soil. It’s simple, satisfying, and sets us up for a bountiful year ahead.
A few of the items we mention link to things we actually use around the farm. Buying through those links sends a little support our way at no extra cost to you — thank you for helping keep Lange Girl Farms going!
Shop our farm-made goods → https://langegirlfarms.com/shop
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