Everyone wants to do their part to support the planet and reduce environmental harm. Actions like recycling, walking or cycling instead of driving, and shopping second-hand are common ways that individuals can live more sustainably. However, there is one activity that you may have heard of, but you may be confused about what it is, why it’s important or beneficial, and how to get started: composting.
Composting is a controlled process of turning waste, like food scraps, into a nutrient rich soil by supporting the natural process of decomposition. This process is an alternative to throwing out our waste, which will inevitably decompose in a landfill or be incinerated. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), we throw away 28% of our food and yard waste that could be composted instead.
The beauty of composting is that it can be done anywhere if individuals are given the right education and tips. There are various different types of composting, from traditional pile composting, to tumbler composting, and depending on where and how you live, some may be better than others. For example, start a basic pile compost if you have some extra land area available to you on your property, or you can purchase a compost tumbler if you have limited space, such as living in an apartment.
Composting has been praised, especially in recent years, for being a more sustainable option in comparison to land-filling our waste, and can be done at home or in commercial settings. The process of composting allows more oxygen to enter the decomposing material, and overall decreases the levels of methane given off. Methane is a strong greenhouse gas responsible for accelerated climate change. Landfills have elevated levels of methane emissions, as the decomposing material is tightly compacted, often trapped in plastic bags, and allows much less oxygen to reach the decomposing material.
The byproduct of composting in nutrient rich soil that can be used to grow food, can be sold to generate revenue, or both. Composting has been accepted as a foundational way to lower food insecurity, especially in food-desert areas that may lack resources needed to produce healthy food, like fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens.
There are currently more than 90 municipalities in America that offer free or discounted composting programs. Typically, residents will pay a small fee for their compost systems, but they may be offered at no cost. A large motivation for cities to offer composting units for residents is ever-decreasing landfill space, and a desire to reach sustainability goals set in their comprehensive plans.
Orlando, Florida, for example, provides free backyard composting units to single-family residents. There, the units are considered property of the city, and must remain at the housing location, even if the residents move. Requesting the composting unit can be done online through a simple application process. Plus, they offer a composting guide that educates users on what is acceptable material to place in the backyard composter.
Massachusetts is a state where various cities and towns provide backyard composting units. In 2008, the state was presented with grant funding to start a composting program. Now, they sell them to residents at discounted rates. The units they offer range between capacities of 10 to 24 cubic feet of material. To promote them to residents, they ensure their units are rodent resistant and are easy to maintain and piece together.
In the City of Mountain View, California, residents are able to join gardening clubs, attend composting workshops, and those
who conduct backyard composting can become certified in how to start. Their message is centered around community and sustainability.
If composting interests you and could be a way to support your personal sustainability goals, but you do not have municipal programs that offer this service, take it upon yourself to suggest a pilot program to your elected officials. A petition signed by other residents in your area would be a nice touch in gaining traction.
Start with a layer of twigs to allow for drainage and aeration. Cover the layer with leaves. Going forward, alternate between layers of green materials (nitrogen-rich material) and brown (carbon-rich material).
4. Start adding kitchen and yard waste; food scraps, lawn clippings, etc.
5. Maintain your compost.
When you add fresh material, be sure to mix it in with the lower layers. Ensure that the moisture content of your compost is similar to that of a rung-out sponge.
6. Harvest and use your compost!
https://www.governing.com/gov-curbside-composting-added-to-major-city.html
www.epa.gov/recycle/composting-homehttps://austintexas.gov/department/home-composting-rebate-program
www.orlando.gov/Trash-Recycling/Request-a-Free-Composter
www.mountainview.gov/depts/pw/recycling/garbage/residents/carts/compost.asp
https://www.leduc.ca/composting/7-easy-steps-composting
