Composting 101 🌱
February 21, 2024
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Introduction
Have you forgotten about those herbs in the back of your fridge again? What about the head of lettuce that you promised you were going to make into a salad?
Don’t throw these foods into the trash! Turn them into compost instead!
You’re probably thinking “Doesn’t my food breakdown in the trash anyway?” Well, not exactly…. đź«
What happens to my food if I don’t compost it?
All our trash goes to a landfill, essentially a large hole in the ground that has been treated and lined with plastics and other liners to prevent pollution (of course, that’s assuming the system works perfectly, which it often does not). The landfill is what we call an anerobic environment, meaning there is no oxygen. When organic materials, like food scraps, break down in anerobic environment, they release methane.
You may have heard of methane before, it’s a greenhouse gas emission that is more than 28 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere. We hear it often as a byproduct of the industrial agricultural industry, but it is also caused by landfills!
When you throw away food in the landfill, not only does it release methane, but it also prevents all the organic components of your food from returning to the earth, including water! Compost increases soil’s water retention and will hold 20,000 gallons more water per acre. A healthier soil can hold and absorb more water.
Food waste is a surprising driving force of climate change, with food waste contributing over 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
So, what can I do with my food scraps?
Or that sad looking apple? Or that leftover kale?
You can turn it into compost!
What is compost?
Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter into a fertilizer to restore soil health. Everything that grows will decompose eventually, and composting creates the ideal conditions for bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers to thrive and break down that half of an onion you’ve forgotten about. Compost is rich in nutrients and is known to gardeners as “black gold.”
Nowadays there are so many ways to compost! The main differentiating factor being how much space you have available, and how quickly you want to turn over your food scraps.
Other things to think about as you start preparing to compost:
How much organic waste do I / does my family produce?
What kind of waste do we produce (kitchen and/or yard waste)?
How much time do I have to maintain a compost?
What resources do I have that are available to me? Do I have an outdoor space? Do I have the capacity to drop off weekly?
Let’s go over some options from most to least demanding….
@ Home Composting
Closed Bin
Just like the name sounds, this is an enclosed bin that holds your composting materials. It's best to pick materials for your bin that can allow ventilation, while keeping pests out. Best of all, you can create your own bin using things you already have! And these don’t have to be large containers, they can be as small as 3ft.
Things you could use for your DIY Bin:
Old storage containers
Cat litter containers
Old baskets
Or you can purchase a compost bin that’s perfect for a shady spot on your balcony or backyard.
Tumbler Bin
This enclosed bin allows for easy mixing! The bin is mounted on axles on stands, and holds the composted materials off the ground, keeping it away from pests. Turning the container aerates the mixer, bringing in more oxygen to speed up decomposition. However, tumbler bins are often sealed, which can lead to excess moisture buildup. Be sure to check your compost pile regularly to ensure it's not too wet, as this can slow down the composting process and promote unpleasant odors. These bins are generally fairly compact, making them ideal for balcony dwellers or those with a small patio.
Worm Composting
Worm composting can be a great option for both indoor and outdoor spaces! Also known as vermicomposting, this method yields nutrient-rich worm castings which serve as an excellent natural fertilizer. Whether you opt for a purchased worm composter or DIY setup, the process involves acquiring red wiggler worms and regularly feeding them with your food scraps. The compost tea they produce is also great for house plants!
With all these choices, you're creating valuable compost for your garden or houseplants. But what if you don't have your own garden, or are looking for something even lower-effort?
Out-Of-Home Composting
Green Bins
If you have a green bin for yard waste, you're in luck! Since last January, all LA residents serviced by LA Sanitation can put their compostable food scraps directly into their green bins for composting. However, keep in mind that there may be logistical differences city-to-city or for commercial and multifamily units. So, before tossing anything, it's wise to confirm with your trash hauler what they accept.
Drop-Ofs
Did you know that many farmers markets and community gardens offer drop-off options for composting? Just collect food scraps during the week (you can store them in your freezer!) and drop them off at the farmers market or community garden for them to add to their compost piles.
What Can I Compost?
For any of the at-home options we’ve covered today, it’s important to remember to only add “things that grow from the ground.” Compostable plastics or bioware, even those labeled on the package as "compostable," require specific industrial composting conditions to break down effectively. Similarly, meat scraps and dairy products, while organic, may attract pests and take longer to decompose in home compost piles due to lower temperatures.
If you’re dropping off your compost or using the green bin, double-check to see what items are accepted.
What can I add to my compost?
In general, all at home composts need a 1:3 ratio of “green” to “brown” scraps. Green scraps, such as vegetable peels, fruit scraps, eggshells, and coffee grounds, provide Nitrogen, which promotes the growth and reproduction of decomposers in your pile. Brown scraps, like dead leaves, branches, shredded paper, and cardboard, contribute Carbon to the composting process, helping to balance the nutrient ratio and create a healthy compost environment.
Alright, wrapping up with a lightning-round of final tips to help you get started on your composting journey:
Fruit Fly Fix: Keep those pesky fruit flies away by layering your compost with shredded paper or cardboard.
Moisture Check: Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge – not too soggy, not too dry. If it's too wet, add more browns to soak up excess moisture. If it's too dry, give it a gentle spritz with water until it feels just right.
Chop Chop: Speed up decomposition by chopping your scraps into smaller pieces before tossing them in.
Mix it Up: Every few weeks, give your compost a good turn to mix things up. This keeps it aerated and helps those decomposers work their magic.
Remember, every apple core, coffee ground, and cardboard scrap diverted from the trash makes a world of difference! Start small, stay consistent, and watch your compost pile flourish – you've got this!
Composting Made Even Easier with Dashboard.Earth
And don't forget, with our partner Dashboard.Earth, all of this becomes even easier. Their intuitive platform simplifies composting, whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes in. The app effortlessly guides you through logging your compost, tracking your climate impact, and earning rewards along the way. It's the perfect companion to kickstart your composting journey and start making a meaningful difference for the environment today.
Sources: https://www.epa.gov/landfills/municipal-solid-waste-landfillshttps://www.epa.gov/gmi/importance-methanehttps://www.oregonmetro.gov/tools-living/yard-and-garden/composting/tips-composting-successhttps://www.nrdc.org/stories/composting-101#howto