Compost Food Scraps
Why It Matters:
Composting food scraps reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills, where organic matter releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Instead, composting turns food waste into nutrient-rich soil that can be used to grow more food, creating a sustainable cycle.
How to Do It:
- Set Up a Compost Bin
- Choose a compost bin that fits your space (indoor, outdoor, or even a small countertop bin).
- Options include tumblers, worm bins, or DIY compost piles.
- Know What to Compost
- Green Materials (Nitrogen-rich): Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, fresh grass clippings.
- Brown Materials (Carbon-rich): Dry leaves, cardboard, paper, eggshells, straw.
- Avoid: Meat, dairy, oily foods, and pet waste (these can attract pests or create odors).
- Layer Your Compost
- Alternate layers of green and brown materials to maintain balance.
- Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens.
Compost Food Scraps
- Keep It Aerated Compost Food Scraps
- Turn your compost regularly to introduce oxygen and speed up decomposition.
- Use a pitchfork or a compost aerator for outdoor piles.
- Maintain Moisture
- Your compost should feel like a damp sponge. Add water if it’s too dry or browns if it’s too wet.
- Harvest Your Compost
- After a few months, your compost will turn into dark, crumbly soil.
- Use it to enrich your garden, potted plants, or lawn.
- Try Vermicomposting (Worm Composting)
- Use red wiggler worms to break down food scraps faster.
- Great for small spaces like apartments.