Eco-Resolution for May: Composting – Steps to Break it Down

Did you know that this week, May 3 through 8, is Compost Awareness Week? So it’s very timely that the monthly eco-resolution for May is to begin composting on even the most basic level.  I realize that this may be one of the most difficult habits to begin for a variety of reasons such as living space, time and downright desire to implement but understanding the reason why is a great place to start.

We are just beginning our composting efforts.  We talked about it for a long time and are fortunate to have the backyard space to set up a compost bin in a far corner of our yard.  With our garden in place, we were swayed by some of the benefits listed below to begin this effort.

Benefits:

• Save land fill space and ultimately avoids the production of methane and leachate formulation.
• Improves the soils ability to retain moisture thus reducing watering efforts and costs.
• Provides needed nutrients for healthy plants.
• Eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.

What to Compost:

• Kitchen scraps such as fruits, vegetable peelings, cores, egg shells, coffee grinds to include the filter
• Lawn clippings, leaves, wood – all chipped and shredded in pieces smaller than one inch
• Plants  – maybe those discarded from a garden
• Manures from herbivores (cows, rabbits, chickens) not the family pet dog or cat
• Newspaper clippings, cardboard rolls, clean paper

What not to compost:

• Meat, bones, greases, dairy products or bread which all attract pests
• Anything treated with pesticides or herbicides
• Black Walnut leaves,  oak leaves or pine needles
• Diseased plants or weeds with seeds
• Pet or human waste
• Plastic, foil, etc.

For us, a compost bin or tumbler was key rather than creating a place on our own.  We started with lawn clippings that we had collected along with the approved kitchen scraps.  Because the bin is not right outside my back door, I’m keeping a container on the counter top to collect the day’s waste and then take out to put in the bin.  There are many decorative compost crocks and containers available, but I’m just using a homemade version at the moment.

We are still learning and have found these resources helpful.

• EPA Basic Composting
• Recycle Now
• 10 Tips for Better Composting
• Earth 911 Compost Awareness Week
• NRCS Composting Guide

What’s your experience?  Are you a novice or seasoned pro?  What tips can you share to help us keep this resolution going?

Tagged as: Compost Awarenss Week 2010, Composting