We all need to do our part in helping the environment, and composting is a great way to start. Every year, Americans individually produce 1, 642 pounds of waste. Consequently, most of that waste is food.
Starting your own homemade compost is actually pretty easy. First, you need to separate your waste. Initially, start with a green and brown pile. Things like fruit and vegetable scraps, leftovers, egg shells, and coffee grounds will go in your green pile. On the other hand, things such as paper, cotton, sawdust, and dry plants will go in your brown pile. Uniquely, the importance of separating your waste lies within how they effect the compost as a whole.
Your green pile will help the compost create nitrogen, and your brown pile will help the compost create carbon. With this in mind, these two compounds are very important for your compost. The microorganisms not only need them to live but to successfully break down the waste. Generally, try to avoid putting meat, bones, or any kind of any type of animal fat into your compost.
Second, you need to find a suitable container for your compost and a good place to put it! Your compost can be large and somewhere in your backyard, or it can be in a small jar on your kitchen counter. It’s totally up to you. Just be sure that you always have small holes in your container of choice so that air can get it. Also make sure to start your compost with a soil base, and use a lid if necessary. Surely, it will keep unwanted pests out of your compost.
What Can I Use Finished Compost For?
You can use your compost as fertilizer, or as fresh soil to plant with. Keep in mind that a fully decomposed compost can take up to a year, or even more. So, patience is important in this process.
Click here to explore how you can use your compost soil if you don’t have a garden!
What’s The Big Deal?
As mentioned earlier, food waste takes up most of the space in landfills. By decomposing your own food waste on top of any paper, cardboard, wood, or garden waste, you are doing your part to significantly reduce the amount of waste sitting in landfills. By composting, we contribute to healthier plants, healthier air, and a healthier (and cleaner) planet!
If you want to read more eco-friendly content, check out the Ocean Plastic Pollution Crisis article, also on our blog!
