Creating The Winogradsky Column
The Winogradsky column is a microcosm of how bacteria interact on the surface of our planet. Like on earth, there are water bodies that are drenched by sun and infused by oxygen which provide the perfect environment for photosynthetic microbes. On the opposite end, deep down in the sediment, are the anaerobic microbes that prefer the dark and no oxygen. And in between are a variety of opportunists that feed off the side products made from the anaerobes below, and in turn excrete products that feed the microbes in the next layer above, all the while thriving in the gradient of their choice, with the perfect blend of food, oxygen, light and pH for their specific requirements.
Video 4 in the Winogradsky Column shows you how to create this simple yet elegant contained “mini-earth”.
Spiritual significance
The success of a perfectly honed barter economy is taught, within the wonderful microbial community that pops up in a Winogradsky column. Many human microcosms illustrate the same concept, what might be your neighbors’ excess, could nourish you and your family. What is not used can be passed further along the chain of people who can convert your disposed items into something useful for them. The microcosms that exist this way can be long lasting, like the barter system economy that develops in a country going through severe financial struggles, or short term, like the money-less tradition at the Burning Man music festival. The idea is the same, without the exchange of money, a human community is supported as goods and services of equal value are exchanged and currency is off the table. As of this writing, our global society still relies on money for the most part. And the majority of us are not convinced that a barter economy is feasible, but that is just because not everyone is on board. Stick us all in a container like a Winogradsky column (built to human dimensions) and see how quickly we either become cooperative and rely on each other for goods, or expire if we refuse to share in the venture.
Card Meaning
• Comfortable in multiplex living situations
• Aware of neighbor’s needs and willing to share
• Enclosed environments
• Teaching lessons on ecology
• Living by your wits and gifts
• Learning to turn differences into delights
Celebrate Earthday by joining a campaign on plastics reduction. Read more here:
https://www.earthday.org/
campaigns/plastics-campaign/
Read about a genetically engineered enzyme from microbes that eats plastic, here:
https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-accidentally-engineered-mutant-enzyme-eats-through-plastic-pet-petase-pollution
