We all want to do our part to help slow global warming and create a greener, more sustainable world. If you are looking for easy ways to help the environment, you may be thinking about starting composting.
But what is composting exactly? How can you start doing it? Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Composting?
Compost, put simply, is a decayed organic matter. It can be anything from trees, to egg shells, to banana peel. When you break down a lot of these items, they break down naturally, and turn into a nutrient-rich fertilizer that helps plants and gardens grow.
Most things that grow from the ground can be composted- such as fruits and vegetables. Seeds, nuts and even bread can also be composted.
However, it is important to note what cannot be composted: meat, fish, butter, cheese, yogurt or animal fat. As a rule of thumb, it is better to keep anything oily out of the pile, as it will not compost correctly.
Why Should you Compost?
Not only is it great for the environment (you will not be wasting as much food), but compost is great for your garden. It is rich in nutrients, meaning that it will make your soil become richer and your plants will grow stronger. If you do not have a garden, your compost will also help houseplants to thrive.
How Do I Start Composting?
Start by putting your composting in a bin or a pile that has a great deal of airflow. Keep your compost moist as this will help it compost. If anything smells (this may happen with rotting food), add leaves or brown paper. Over a long period of time, your compost will start decomposing and will turn into a mulch that looks a bit like soil. When it is around half the size of the original pile, it is ready to be put in your garden.
Benefits of Composting
Composting is great for the environment. It significantly cuts down on the amount of trash going into landfills. Not only this, but it will also reduce a huge amount of the carbon emissions that it takes to haul this waste about.
Composting is not just good for your own plants, but helps the wider environment too. Composting fills the soil with multiple nutrients, decreasing the need for fertilizers and pesticides. If everyone started composting, there would be less need for these, and there would be less production of these products (which require fossil fuels to make).
Other Tips
-
Use shredded paper in your compost to both stop it smelling and to create more compost.
-
When compost is ready, it should look like a damp soil, and you can then put it on your garden.
-
You can also compost coffee grounds- worms love this and they will help accelerate the process of degrading.
-
Composting will help reduce your electricity bill, as you will be using the garbage disposal less. If you are looking for other ways to reduce your electricity bill, check out comparison websites like American Power and Light to make sure you are not paying too much for electricity.
Other Ways to Help the Environment
Composting is a great way to help the environment, as you will not only encourage your own plants to thrive but will also be wasting less. If you want to help the environment further, here are some other small things you can do:
-
Encourage your friends and family to compost: the more people compost, the greater positive impact it will have on the environment.
-
Cycle/walk to work instead of drive if you can. This will also help lower your fuel costs!
-
Ensure you turn off any appliances that you are not using, and switch off lights when you leave a room.
Conclusion
If you have the space, composting is a super easy way to reduce the amount of waste you create, meaning that you will be doing a little bit extra to help your planet.