Starting to think there might be a better way to dispose of your food scraps? You’ve come to the right place. Keep reading for the scoop on compost: what it is, where & how to do it, and why you should!
I’ve often thought of passionate environmentalists as a giant billboard for composting. According to them, I’m pretty sure that everything can be composted. Vegetable scraps? You can compost that. Dryer lint? Compost it! Coffee grounds? Throw it in the compost bin. And yet, I still feel like there is a shroud of mystery surrounding composting. Is it dirt? Does it smell? I have so many questions. But it all boils down to the main question of “Why compost?”
In my opinion, any season is the perfect time to talk about composting. But, I suppose, the holidays will always win. Lots of leftover food scraps to dispose of properly from watermelon rinds at the 4th of July to sweet potato peelings at Thanksgiving. So, if you’re searching for composting tips around the holidays…proud of you!
When done right, composting has a positive effect on the environment and isn’t as difficult as you might think. Now not everyone has the space to compost on their property, but you can still participate by properly disposing of compostable items. No better time than the present to strip the mystery away and get to the bottom of the compost bin.
What is Compost?
It’s possible that you’ve made it this far in my post (thank you!) and are sitting here saying, “What even is compost?” Well, that’s the perfect place to start. There are no dumb questions in this blog community! But I certainly can’t answer the question “why compost?” if you don’t know what compost is! So, let’s start there.
To get a compost mixture, a person combines different layers of organic material and allows them to break down into a soil-like substance. Usually, the ingredients are something like wood chips and twigs, vegetables and grass clippings, and some water.
So basically, brown + green + blue = compost
Of course, composting is a bit more difficult than that, but I appreciate the kid version! The basic science is that compost needs carbon (the brown stuff), nitrogen (the green stuff), and water (the blue stuff) to break it all down.
Where do I Compost?
Composting can be done outside in dry, shady areas or inside with a proper bin. If you choose to do the whole composting process on your own, it will require a bit more maintenance and work, including covering the pile and turning it every few weeks. Once the bottom of the compost pile turns a rich, dark brown, the compost is ready to be used. And not to worry, if done right, it just smells like an earthy soil. I promise it’s better than the smell of whatever is hanging out in your trash can!
Now, if you’re like me and live in the middle of a city, there is no space for a compost pile on a fourth-floor balcony. So, if you’re short on space, you could use a compost bin at home with worms. This is called vermicomposting. Along with being good for small spaces, an additional perk is that it’s stink-free! Find more information here.
City Composting
Still too gross sounding for you? I understand that tending a compost pile or worm bin may not be up everyone’s alley. The easiest solution is to look up your local Yard Waste Site to find out where you can drop off organic materials. Many municipalities will even provide you with a free compost bin and bags! Just make sure you check out what materials are accepted and sort properly.
Why Compost? | My Top 5 Reasons
Now that you know what compost is and how it’s made, let’s get down to those “Top 5 Reasons” to answer the question “why compost?” *Drumroll please*
#1 Reduce Landfill Waste
What you put (and don’t put) in your trash can matters. There are some pretty horrifying landfill facts out there. Did you know that the United States produces more trash per person than any other country in the world? 1,609 pounds of trash for every person per year! This means that only five percent of the earth’s population is responsible for forty percent of all trash.
But that’s not the worst part. No, the most heartbreaking part is that each American throws out approximately 1,200 pounds of organic garbage yearly that could be composted! I know that a good portion of my personal garbage is food waste, so I find joy in knowing that composting lowers my carbon footprint.
#2 Say “No” to Greenhouse Gas
When I think “landfill,” I automatically think “smelly.” One of the biggest problems with organic food waste in landfills is the removal of oxygen when it is buried under other trash. Without oxygen, it breaks down differently, releasing large quantities of methane. Methane is a dangerous greenhouse gas, far more concentrated than carbon dioxide.
This amount of methane can be flammable, contributes to climate change, and pollutes the air, waterways, and soil with toxins. If we all start by taking responsibility for our own 1,200 pounds of organic waste, we could certainly make a dent in these smelly and harmful landfills.
#3 Give Soil a Vitamin
While landfills create many problems for the soil, compost is a soil lifeline. Healthy soil is crucial to our planet’s survival and of course, the production of food. And who doesn’t want yummy, healthy food? I don’t want to think about my food source being polluted by toxic gasses. So, let’s chat instead about some amazing benefits of compost for soil.
Water Retention
Compost does wonders for water retention and conservation in a few different ways. A research study found that properly adding compost to sandy soil increased water holding capacity two and a half times, providing a week’s worth of water for plants. This is amazing news for potentially drought-ridden soil! Overall, compost helps with water absorption and allows the water to spread more evenly throughout the soil.
Water is a precious resource in many parts of the world, so if my apple peels can help, I should do my part!
Stick Together & Prevent Erosion
Compost is a wonderful binding agent, which is good news when it comes to avoiding soil erosion. Erosion is what happens when wind and rain strip the topsoil from the ground. Maybe this doesn’t sound like that big of deal, but it is. Topsoil is where many of the valuable nutrients are for plant growth, so without them, plants are left vulnerable. In addition, soil erosion can create threatening conditions for aquatic life if topsoil ends up in our waterways.
This is where compost works some magic. It is able to restore structure to soil and regenerate the nutrients needed for poor soil.
#4 Good for Plant Growth
Depending on your space, you may not be able to have a compost pile in your backyard. But your compostable materials can still be beneficial for farmers and other gardeners. If you’re a home gardener, buying compost is a great way to show some love to your plants.
It’s easy to forget that bacteria aren’t always bad, since my initial reaction is to wrinkle my nose at the thought of it. But just like we need good bacteria in our gut, we also need compost to encourage the production of good bacteria and fungi. These little guys are responsible for breaking down the carrot tops and fallen leaves into a material full of nutrients. And once introduced to the soil, these nutrients help plants grow strong and healthy.
#5 Reduce Need for Pesticides & Chemicals
If adding some compost to soil can help prevent plant disease and weed build-up, I am all for it. I’ve pulled a few too many weeds in my lifetime. Adding compost to plants does more than just cause them to thrive. In fact, these plants usually require fewer chemical fertilizers and pesticides because they are stronger. This is a huge bonus, since chemicals and pesticides can be harmful.
Why Compost Later When You Can Start Now?
If you are lucky (like I am) to have plenty of food on your plate, we can show our gratitude by disposing of food scraps the responsible way! Interested in ways you can reduce unnecessary food waste? Check out my blog posts on meal planning and food storage.
The ability to nourish our bodies with food is such a gift. For those of us who have privilege (and access to food is a privilege!), I feel especially called to give back, uplift the underprivileged, and treat the earth with respect. I have so many things to be grateful for, and I plan on showing thankfulness for my food by returning nutrients back to the earth through composting. The circle of life, right!?
Is it time for you to trot on down to your local Yard Waste Site and pick up a compost bin? I think it is! What better time to start?
Be Well. With Love.
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