Composting: Doing Your Part for the Planet
Composting
Last July, I was in Brazil visiting my niece who has lived there for eight years working for a Non-Profit Organization called Sinal do Vale. Sinal do Vale is in the middle of the rain forest outside of Rio de Janeiro. Their mission is to be “A place to regenerate ecosystems, communities and individuals through learning experiences and inspiring relationships”. I have always been concerned about our environment and asked my niece what would be the most important thing I can do to make a difference. Her answer? Composting!
The Harm of Food Waste
When you think about doing your part to help the planet consider this: food waste that ends up in the landfill contributes to natural resource depletion AND climate change! A common misconception is that organic waste will decompose in a landfill. The problem with landfills is that they are oxygen free environments so organic waste does not simply decompose. Instead, it emits large amounts of methane, a gas which, due to its molecular structure is around 20 times more effective at trapping heat in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide! This means your food waste is actually contributing to climate change when you throw it away.
How Does Composting Work?
1) Gather Your Greens and Browns: Begin by collecting your organic waste. Greens are your nitrogen-rich materials, including food scraps (avoid meat and dairy), coffee grounds, and fresh plant matter. Browns are your carbon-rich materials, such as dry leaves, straw, shredded paper, and sawdust. These two types of materials are the building blocks of your compost.
2) Find the Perfect Balance: Aim for the right carbon to nitrogen ratio by mixing roughly equal parts of greens and browns. This balance is crucial for speeding up the decomposition process without creating odor or attracting pests.
3) Let Nature Do Its Work: Once you’ve set the stage with your balanced mix, the composting process begins. Bacteria, micro-organisms, insects, and even worms start to break down the organic matter, digesting it to create compost.
4) Wait for the Magic to Happen: Over time, these natural decomposers transform your waste into compost. This process can take anywhere from a few months to a year, depending on your composting method and materials.
5) Harvest Your Compost: Once the material looks and smells like rich, dark soil and you can no longer identify the original materials, your compost is ready. This nutrient-dense material is perfect for enriching your garden soil.
6) Enrich Your Garden: Mix your finished compost into your garden soil or use it as mulch. It helps the soil retain moisture, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and feeds your plants with organic nutrients.
But I don’t want to be a compost farmer!
Trust me, neither do I. Luckily, there are people who do! I have found 2 different local companies that I like, and they make it EASY! Both companies (noted at the end of this blog) provide all the necessary equipment for folks to significantly reduce the amount of waste they send to local landfills. Separating and storing organic waste can be done in an easy, convenient, and affordable way. Organic waste is first collected by customers, and then collected weekly or bi-weekly for a small fee. Then these compost farmers work with nature to turn your waste into a high-quality soil amendment for your garden! Both companies give their customer free finished compost to use in your gardens and outdoor spaces.
For more info, feel free to check out my 2 favorite composting companies
Written by Shannon Miller with the Weinland Team at RE/MAX Alliance
Phone: (970) 818-8895
Email: Shannon@TheWeinlandTeam.com
Written by fortcollinsexperience
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