April marks a celebration that everyone should find ways to commemorate. It’s Earth Month! Earth Month is an opportunity to reflect on our time on the planet, essentially to create environmental awareness. Many people may feel that they have not contributed back to the environment or have not lived within sustainable means. That is where composting comes in.
Composting is a low-effort method of turning the organic waste we generate in our day-to-day into useful nutrients for the soil. This organic waste can be flowers, food scraps, and even yard clippings. As the waste decomposes, it transforms from something without value into valuable nutrients that the soil needs to flourish.
Composting can be done at home or in a community garden, and it's a great way to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
4 Simple Steps of Composting
🌱 The first step in composting is to choose a suitable container. You can use a dedicated compost bin or little bucket. The DIY lovers can make their own using materials like wood or wire mesh. The container should be large enough to hold organic waste and allow for airflow.
🌱 Next, you'll need to start collecting your organic waste. This can include kitchen scraps like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells, as well as yard waste like leaves and grass clippings. Avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods, as these can attract pests and slow the composting process.
🌱 Once you have enough organic material, you can start layering it in your compost bin. The ideal ratio is three parts brown (carbon-rich) material to one part green (nitrogen-rich) material. Brown materials include things like leaves, shredded paper, and sawdust, while green materials include grass clippings and vegetable scraps.
🌱 Finally, you'll need to maintain your compost pile by keeping it moist (but not too wet) and turning it regularly to ensure even decomposition. With time, your compost will turn into rich, crumbly soil that you can use to fertilize your garden or houseplants.
Anyone can compost almost anywhere. Whether you live in a house or an apartment, you can start your composting journey today. With a few basic tools and some organic waste, you can turn your kitchen and yard scraps into a valuable resource for your garden and house plants. Celebrate Earth Month eco-consciously this year by literally giving back to the earth with composting!