Let's Compost -- A Few Options

Composting is a quintessential part of reducing food waste. Did you know that throwing food in the garbage doesn’t allow the food to break down properly, so it still negatively impacts the environment? Not to mention, when food is wasted, a bunch of water and land was used to grow food that ended up useless because it didn’t provide nutrients to anything or anyone. Compost is a great alternative because it can take that uneaten food and return those nutrients back to the earth. This way, the food has a purpose and doesn’t sit rotting in a landfill.

How Can I Compost?

If you’re looking for a project, aerated static pile composting is a great option. This method builds the compost pile in loose layers with bulking agents like newspaper or wood chips so the compost can aerate without needing to be turned. The compost finishes in three to six months and is suitable for yard trimmings, food scraps, and paper products. However, do not put animal products or grease in this compost – these products will go rancid and attract vermin!

For a method that requires less fuss but is still traditional, try vermicomposting! Food scraps, paper, and yard trimmings are all suitable for vermicomposting. Basically, you’ll get a bin that can hold your food scraps, plus a healthy number of red worms, and you’ll have compost in three to four months. The worms break down the scraps into castings that can be used as potting soil and “worm tea”, which is a liquid fertilizer suitable for gardens and houseplants. This option is great for indoor composting because it can be done on a small scale.

The composting method that requires the least amount of attention is in-vessel composting. Essentially, a vessel of your chosen size/capacity is equipped with mechanical elements to turn the compost and keep it temperature controlled. Depending on the device, this method can produce compost in a matter of hours or weeks. This is because the compost pile needs to develop proper microbial activity to become mature, nutrient-dense compost. Some easy options for this method are the Maze Compost Tumbler, the Reencle Home Composter, and the Lomi Composter. These devices can be a little expensive, but they do make composting very simple.

In Summary…

Composting takes some dedication, but it’s great for the environment in so many ways. Not only do you reduce food waste, but you grow healthy plants. Even if you’re not a big gardener, you can take your compost to a community garden or give it to a friend or family member who gardens. If you have any more questions about composting, check out the EPA or listen to this quick podcast episode from NPR.

Until next time, happy composting!