Why Start Composting?
Composting is a simple and powerful way to reduce food waste, enrich your garden soil, and help the planet. By turning your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost, you lower your carbon footprint and support sustainable living.
What is Composting?
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic material—such as leaves, vegetable scraps, and coffee grounds—into a dark, crumbly soil amendment called compost. This compost can then be used to fertilize your garden, houseplants, or lawn.
Benefits of Composting at Home
- Reduces landfill waste
- Enriches soil and retains moisture
- Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
What You Can Compost
Here’s a list of common compostable materials:
- Fruit and vegetable scraps
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags (without plastic)
- Eggshells
- Yard trimmings
- Dry leaves and grass clippings
- Paper towels and napkins (unbleached)
What NOT to Compost
Avoid adding the following items to your compost:
- Meat or dairy products
- Oily or greasy foods
- Pet waste
- Plastic, glass, or metal
- Diseased plants
How to Compost at Home: Step-by-Step
- Choose a Compost Bin: Select a compost bin or build one yourself. Options include indoor compost bins, tumblers, or outdoor piles.
- Balance Green and Brown Materials: Mix “green” materials (like food scraps) with “brown” materials (like dry leaves or cardboard) for optimal decomposition.
- Turn Regularly: Aerate your compost pile by turning it every few weeks to speed up the process and reduce odors.
- Keep It Moist: Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge—moist but not soggy.
- Wait and Harvest: Compost takes a few weeks to a few months to break down. When it’s dark and crumbly, it’s ready to use.
Ecohan’s Favorite Composting Tools
Looking for composting gear? Check out our top picks for eco-friendly composting tools—from countertop bins to outdoor tumblers, we’ve got you covered!
Final Thoughts
Whether you live in a house or an apartment, composting at home is an easy and impactful way to reduce waste and nourish the planet. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the rewards of sustainable living.