Two sustainability experts share seven composting mistakes to avoid that they see on a regular basis.
Plus, their tips on getting started.
The FDA Just Banned Red Dye No.
3: The Future of Processed Foods
Is Red Wine Any Healthier for You Than White Wine?
Proffee Is the Hottest New Beverage Trendbut Should You Really Be Adding Protein to Your Coffee?
But its also whycompostingdecomposing organic materials into simpler organic and inorganic compoundscan make such an impact.
Brenda Platt is the director for the Institute for Self-Reliance’s Composting for Community Project. She is the author of several groundbreaking reports including Beyond 40 Percent: Record-Setting Recycling and Composting Programs and the U.S. EPA’s Cutting the Waste Stream in Half. Her 2000 report for the GrassRoots Recycling Network, Wasting and Recycling in the United States 2000, includes a 10-page zero waste agenda for action.
Tania Ragland-Castaneda is the municipal relationship manager at Republic Services, a recycling and waste service provider.
She loves when people get excited about cutting down on food waste.
7 common composting mistakes
1.
Not being prepared
If you arent prepared, your good intentions to start composting remain just thatintentions.
But people can make the mistake of not being prepared to start their composting journey.
She says that composting is actually pretty simple, and that simplicity is key to actually sticking with it.
confirm you understand which items and materials should be composted and how best to keep your compost balanced.
But, typically, you cant compost fats, meat, or dairy.
Too much water, the microbes drown.
Brenda Platt is the director for the Institute for Self-Reliance’s Composting for Community Project. She is the author of several groundbreaking reports including Beyond 40 Percent: Record-Setting Recycling and Composting Programs and the U.S. EPA’s Cutting the Waste Stream in Half. Her 2000 report for the GrassRoots Recycling Network, Wasting and Recycling in the United States 2000, includes a 10-page zero waste agenda for action.
Too little, they go dormant.
Composting is an aerobic process, she says.
ensure your pile is not too dense or compacted and that air flow through the pile is not blocked.
This is definitely one case where size does matter.
Your compost shouldnt attract bugs or rodents or produce a strong odor.
She reiterates that the compost should ideally be an equal mix of green and brown material.
That will go a long way in keeping the process moving as it should be.
Using compost before its finished
Composting takes patience; it isnt something that happens overnight.
Good compost usually takes six to 12 months to produce, says Platt.
While the active phase may only be 2 to 3 weeks, compost needs time to finish and mature.
This is known as curing.
Either way, not great for your garden.
Theres payoff in the waiting.
Composting is a great way to cut down on food waste and live a more sustainable life.
Its really pretty simple to put into practice, too.
Keep these tips in mind and living the compost life will become part of your everyday routine.
And its one where youll actually see the benefits first-hand.
Watch the video below to see how to make zero-waste lemon ice-pops:
Oh hi!
…
Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.
