This article was written by my project mentors, Trevor Fowles and Christian Nansen. It describes the problem that humans have created with unsustainable farming practices, and how insects could be extremely useful in converting agricultural byproducts into fertilizer and thus continuing the flow of nutrients.

Read more here: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs135

This article describes a study in which yellow mealworm larvae consume and digest styrofoam into a biodegradable substance. It provides yet another example of how insects can help make our lives more sustainable and environmentally-friendly. This study inspired my methodology for constructing the styrofoam composting center at MA.

Read more here:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.10.117

This article covers the EPA's research into waste reduction and sustainable production. The EPA has collected data on the creation and disposal of waste for the past 30 years, and this article summarizes the findings.

Read more here:

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-11/documents/2014_smmfactsheet_508.pdf

This article is key to my project as it discusses insects as bioconverters for a more sustainable future. The study fed preconsumer food waste to mealworms, black soldier flies, crickets, and Argentinian cockroaches to measure their food consumption and the impact of diet on the species.

Read more here:

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0144601&type=printable