Why Should you Compost?

Why is composting important?

Composting is important because it helps to recycle organic materials back into the soil. This process helps to improve soil structure, aeration, and drainage while also providing essential nutrients for plant growth. Composting also reduces the amount of waste that goes into landfills, which can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As well as this It can also help you save money on fertilizers and other gardening supplies.

What are the environmental benefits of composting?

The environmental benefits of composting are many and varied. Perhaps most importantly, composting helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills. When organic waste decomposes in a landfill, it produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By diverting organic waste from landfills through composting, we can help to reduce methane emissions and slow climate change.

In addition to reducing methane emissions, composting also helps to improve soil health. Compost is rich in nutrients and minerals that can help to nourish plants and improve plant growth. Furthermore, compost helps to aerate soils and increase water retention, both of which are important for healthy plant growth. Lastly, by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers, composting can also help to protect groundwater quality.

What are the economic benefits of composting?

There are several economic benefits of composting. Perhaps the most obvious is that it can save money on disposal costs – instead of having to pay to have organic waste hauled away, you can simply throw it in your compost bin. Similarly, if you have your own garden, compost can be used as a nutrient-rich fertilizer, which can save money on expensive store bought products.

Another economic benefit of composting is that it reduces methane emissions from landfills. Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, and when organic waste decomposes in oxygen-starved landfills, it emits methane into the atmosphere. By composting this waste instead, we can keep methane out of the atmosphere and help combat climate change.

Finally, commercial businesses who compost can often take advantage of tax breaks or other financial incentives offered by local governments. This helps to offset the cost of setting up and maintaining a composting operation, making it more affordable for companies to go green.

How does composting work?

Composting happens when organic matter decomposes. This process is facilitated by the presence of microorganisms, like bacteria and fungi, which break down the matter into simpler compounds. Composting can happen naturally, or it can be accelerated through the use of specialised equipment.

What can be composted?

Things to compost:

-Fruits and vegetables

-Coffee grounds and filters

-Eggshells

-Shredded newspaper, cardboard and paper

-Yard waste such as leaves, grass, and twigs

-Tea bags

- Hay and straw

- Hair and fur

How do I start composting?

Here are some tips to get started composting:

1. Choose a location for your compost bin or pile. It should be in a fairly open, sunny spot so that it will stay warm enough to encourage decomposition. If you live in a colder climate, you might need to place your bin or pile near a fence or wall to help protect it from the wind.

2. Decide what type of container you want to use for your compost. There are many different types of bins and piles that you can buy or build yourself out of recycled materials. Or, you can simply create a pile directly on the ground.

3. Add organic material to your bin or pile. This includes things like kitchen scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, yard waste, and leaves. You should also add a layer of "brown" materials like straw or sawdust to help with aeration and moisture levels.

4. Turn your compost regularly (about once per week) to aerate it and help speed up the decomposition process. Just use a shovel or pitchfork to mix everything up well.

5 .Add water if needed – the material should be as moist as a wrung-out sponge . If it's too wet, add more brown material; if it's too dry , add more green material.

6 .After about 3-4 months , your compost should be ready to use! Spread it on garden beds or dig it into potted plants for an extra boost of nutrients.

What are some common mistakes people make when composting?

Some common mistakes people make when composting are:

-Not adding enough green materials (such as kitchen scraps) to the compost pile. Green materials are essential for the decomposition process, and without them, the compost will not break down properly.

-Not adding enough brown materials (such as leaves) to the compost pile.

-Adding too much water to the compost pile. The compost should be moist, but not soggy. Excess water can slow down the decomposition process or even cause it to halt altogether.

-Not aerating the compost regularly. Compost needs oxygen in order to break down properly, so it is important to turn or stir it on a regular basis.