All about composting!

Learn about composting and all of its benefits to solving food wastage!

What is Compost?

Compost is the result of a controlled biological decomposition of organic material that will positively impact livestock and the environment. It's practically a recipe that you made for your plants to feed on and thrive in. It's a natural process that requires air, moisture, and specific temperatures to ensure that the weeds, invasive insects, and pathogens are destroyed. Don't worry about the smell of all of your food waste because if the ingredients and temperature are done right, it should not have any odor at all! There are so many different types of ways a person can make their own compost. There are compost bins, tumblers, and just a compost pile by itself is as effective.

How to Produce Compost

To have a productive compost pile, the ratio of carbon and nitrogen must be proportionate. According to scientists, the best carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is somewhere around 25 to 30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen, or 25-30:1. If the C:N ratio is too high (excess carbon), decomposition slows down. If the C:N ratio is too low (excess nitrogen) you will end up with a stinky pile.

Also be careful of what you put into your compost pile, not everything will decompose especially anything that is plastic! Since there are so many different types of ways to compost, there are some tricks and tips to balance out the ratio to make the "perfect compost" Anything that has high C:N ratios may be lowered by adding grass clippings or manures. Low C:N ratios may be raised by adding paper, dry leaves or wood chips.

Benefits of Compost

Composting not only keeps us physically active, but also has a positive impact on the environment. Instead of throwing all of your scraps from dinner into the garbage, have a designated bin to have your food scraps in. More than 50% of our garbage goes into landfills to sit there according to https://www.budgetdumpster.com/resources/where-does-trash-go.php. Instead of going to a store and buying fertilizers or soil for plants compost can be used as good soil for plants especially if you're growing a garden. Even though there are many ways we can help the environment with our leftovers, please remember not to bite off more than you can chew.