Question 1

Can I make Biochar myself?

Accepted Answer

There are countless strategies to make biochar, including large scale, in the backyard and everything in between. You can learn more here.

Question 2

Where can I buy Biochar?

Accepted Answer

Nowadays several companies make biochar, giving you a large number of purchase options. A simple internet search such as ‘buy biochar’ should bring up some popular choices for you.
 
If you are specifically interested in purchasing biochar as produced by Michael in the Green Power House (featured in The Need To GROW), you can find out more at Regenitech.com.

Question 3

Can I contact the The Need To GROW filmmakers?

Accepted Answer

One way to reach out is by posting a comment on our Facebook or Instagram pages. You can send us a direct message through either of those platforms once you have followed or liked our pages.

You can also send an email to TheNeedToGROW@gmail.com or click THIS LINK.

Question 4

How do I learn more about or contact Michael or the Green Power House?

Accepted Answer

You can learn more about the Green Power House and Michael’s company at Regenitech.com.

Question 5

How can I help support the Green Power House?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in licensing your own GPH, investing in one, becoming a distributor, bulk orders or donating to support their work, please contact them via their website.

Question 6

How do I learn more about or contact Erik and his farm?

Accepted Answer

You can contact Erik through his Alegria Fresh and SoxxBoxx websites.

Question 7

How can I learn more about what Alicia the Girl Scout is doing now?

Accepted Answer

You can find out more about Alicia’s latest project at the 3 Sisters Seed Box website. She is working on providing ready-to-go Seed Library Creation Kits! These boxes contain everything you or your children need to start a seed library in your own community. What an inspiration she is!

Question 8

How can I start a community garden?

Accepted Answer

We’re excited you want to do this! School and community gardens are such an important part of helping this world heal. We can get fresher, more local, and healthier food, and protect our ecosystems from chemicals, reduce our carbon footprint and even meet some like-minded friends along the journey. 
 
Two resources with some great tips are 
Wikihow's Start A Community Garden
, or 
GrowVeg.com's Guide
. But the best recommendation is to search the internet for an existing community garden or garden club near you. There is likely already someone else interested in this type of plan, and might be willing to team up to assist in your mission!

Question 9

How can I share the film with others?

Accepted Answer

The best way to share the film right now is by clicking the social media icons on the film’s website pages. From there you can easily share to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or by email. You can also send any friends and loved ones to www.TheNeedToGROW.com where they can sign up for our mailing list or purchase the film through Amazon or Vimeo. 
You can purchase the film yourself to share with others as well!

Question 10

Will there be any more in-person showings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We will update our mailing list on future in-person showings.

Question 11

Do you offer licensing opportunities to screen the film publicly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Earth Conscious Films does offer licenses to host your own screening at a local theater, community center, library or wherever you can gather interested individuals, family or friends. The prices range for these types of licenses depending on a few key factors. 
Please CLICK HERE to fill out the form with your screening details and someone from our team will respond to you as soon as possible. 
Licenses generally can range anywhere from $150 - $500.

Question 12

How can I purchase the film?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase the film digitally: 
Click here to purchase on Amazon - US viewers only 
Click here to purchase on Vimeo - Available Globally - with subtitles in English, Spanish, Italian, French, German, Japanese, and Portuguese. 
Once you complete the process you will receive information on how to access the film online.

Question 13

I’ve heard biochar is bad for the environment. Is that true?

Accepted Answer

It’s no secret there have been critics of biochar production, but it’s important to remember that - as with many things - biochar can be produced in a number of different ways. 
Each strategy can use different biomass inputs, and could off-gas to a varying degree depending on how those inputs are processed. As seen in the film, Michael’s system is designed to recapture excess carbon dioxide and methane emissions to use them in other processes within the Green Power House. It’s a unique design that does not create the emissions often associated with some other biochar producers. 
Other critiques have been made showing that biochar can reduce available nutrients for plants in the soil. This is usually because biochar was not properly “charged” before being added to the soil. Biochar is extremely porous and can hold onto water and nutrients. If biochar is applied in its “raw” form, it may initially attract nutrients, making them less available for plant roots. However, raw biochar will even out over time and will ultimately create a net positive for plant health. 
To avoid this initial sponge-like effect on nutrients, top producers of biochar like to “charge” the material with nutrients before it is added. This way, it will not absorb nutrients from the soil; you can think of it as a sponge that is already soaking wet. Michael’s process also charges the biochar with living microbes, to further aid in soil health rejuvenation. One way to do this with raw biochar would be to mix it into a compost pile for a month or so before adding it to soils. The pores will become filled with life, and those microbes will then be ready to serve your soils when the biochar is applied to them. 
 
For more information, here is a link I found to a summary of a 
study done by Cornell University
, highlighting some of the benefits of biochar.