Did you know…
- Yard and food waste make up 26% of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream.
- California could reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by one million by composting just 30% of the food waste that is currently disposed. This is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 26 million tree seedlings grown for 10 years.
Little things often make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to protecting the environment. Composting is one small way to reduce waste in landfills and provide farmers and backyard gardeners with cheap fertilizer. Composting is a way of speeding up the natural process of decomposition by which organic materials are broken down and their components returned to the soil. Adding compost to garden soil increases its water-holding capacity, provides aeration and an array of nutrients. It also enhances plants’ ability to respond to insects and diseases. Compost use can result in a variety of environmental benefits. It helps cleanup contaminated soil, prevents pollution by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and offers economic benefits by reducing the need for water, fertilizers and pesticides.
Composting is practical and easy to do whether you live in a subdivision, rural community or urban environment. There ate two types of composting, backyard and worm bin (vermicomposting) for those with limited yard space. Good compost materials include coffee grounds and filters, fruits/vegetables, newspaper/shredded paper, dry leaves, stale bread, dryer lint and lawn clippings. Avoid meat and dairy products, and pesticide treated plant material. You need five basic things in order to create a backyard compost.
- Compost bin – Choose one that’s right for your space.
- Green material - Grass clippings and food scraps are great sources.
- Brown material - Come from leaves, straw, and paper sources amongst many others.
- Water – Pile should be moist but not wet.
- Time - Mother Nature needs 6 weeks to 3 months (depending on compost size) to breakdown the raw materials and turn them into compost. During this time, you will have to turn or mix the compost on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
For children, composting at home or at school offers a learning opportunity about the natural cycles of life. For more information on composting please visit http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm.
“A rind is a terrible thing to waste. Compost.”
Check out small home composters - they are easy to use, and the kids can totally get into this great activity! Eco Home @ Happyhippie.com
