Hello everyone,
So I began my first step in "My Path to Green" this week by learning How to Compost. I used Norma Hartie‘s blog as a guide for what to do. Of course, composting is far easier if you have a backyard but for those who live in an apartment (like me!) I made my compost in a small bin that I will be keeping next to my trash. That way all my organic waste can go in there instead of my trash can. Here is what I learnt about composting:
You want to save all your organic waste, things such as: vegetable and fruit parts, coffee grounds, tea, eggshells, brown paper products, grass and plant clippings. But absolutely NO animal leftovers, dairy products, oils or waste.
You compost in layers 1 green to 2-3 brown. Greens are things like fruits and veggies, plant clippings and browns are things like egg shells, newspaper clippings, brown paper bags, coffee grounds and dried up leaves. After you are done layering — add a layer of soil so the microorganisms in it will kick start the process.
Composting generates heat as a by product. The temperature and rate of the decomp will vary on how you build your compost pile. The hotter the temperature, the faster the decomposition. The compost will also need mositure and air to be successful.
So there, I tried mine and I hope you will as well and share your success stories. Here is where I learnt how to compost and additional resources that might help you:
- How to Compost by Norma Hartie
- Food Waste and Composting by Norma Hartie
- Recycling & Composting 101 by Divine Caroline
Just joining me? See My Path to Green from the beginning.
I am taking small steps in my life to to help our planet. If you are too, then share your stories with us. SunChips® brand and National Geographic believe in the power of the Green Effect. If each of us takes one small step to make our community greener, we can create big change for our planet. To get the movement started, they are awarding $20,000 grants to five people or groups with compelling ideas for green change. Submit your green idea between April 22 and June 8, 2009. For more information visit: www.greeneffect.com
Great information, Valorie. Any tips for composting in bear country?
Cheers,
Michelle
Michelle Schoffro Cook, DNM, is a best-selling & 6-time book author
The Life Force Diet, The Ultimate pH Solution, The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan, The Brain Wash, and Healing Injuries the Natural Way.
http://www.TheLifeForceDiet.com
Good information! My boyfriend and I plan on gardening more in his backyard, and he already started a compost pile of organic material. Can’t wait to eat those homegrown fruits and vegetables!
Great video! Valerie is great! I honestly did not know what composting really was before watching this!
You would not want to compost indoors with an airtight plastic container. Indoor composting can be easily done using worms, or vermicomposting. Simply Google the term and you will find places that sell containers for this composting, instructions, and worms.
I've been gathering compostable materials from two local coffee shops–I bring them a clean bucket and pick up a heavy bucket full of coffee grounds, scraps of food waste, napkins and other paper goods… the next challenge will be to layer the tons of material with nettles (which will sweeten up the somewhat acidic coffee grounds, in particular) and earth and scraps from my own kitchen. Oh, and I have two friends who bring over compost, too.
Give it time–one of the best ways to begin is slowwwlly… and vermiculture is great for apartments and places without yards. My cousin lived in Hawaii, where composting is not allowed because it attracts mongooses, and she became very attached to the worms in the kitchen bin…
Friend of Fearless Puppy on American Road