Start composting in your kitchen now. Compost is a great way to reduce your overall waste and add future nutrition to your garden and yard.
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Maybe you have considered composting before, but just thought it would be too hard. Luckily this green movement has gained popularity in many areas so even if you live in an apartment composting can be done easily. There are many local group composting companies that can come pick up your kitchen waste and give you quality soil in return.
According to the EPA food scraps and yard waste currently make up more than 30 percent of what we throw away and could be composted instead.1 The organic matter that ends up in landfills emits extensive amounts of methane. This greenhouse gas is much more potent than carbon dioxide.
Composting in the Kitchen
There are several different counter top compost buckets that you can get depending on your decor and uses.
This one has a cute design and is labeled so everyone knows what is inside. The charcoal filter helps ensure that there is little to no odor.
There are bucket styles that you will need a larger outdoor composter to add your scraps to. I have a barrel that sits on it’s side with two openingsthat I really enjoy.
When I began my compost journey, I didn’t have a big outdoor space to move compost to, so I really liked the concept behind this all-season bucket. The bokashi begins to ferment your food waste each time you add to the bucket. Since the bucket starts the process, it also creates compost tea which is a nutrient rich plant fertilizer.
The bucket fits well under most sinks, but mine sat outside in the baking sun for a year so the lid doesn’t fit as tight. My plants have benefitted from the tea, and I am happy to be able to reduce my waste.
Why Compost
You might still be wondering why should I consider composting. According to the EPA 68 percent of the wasted food we generated—or about 42.8 million tons ends up in landfills or combustion facilities.2
If you start composting it will help to keep you accountable to the foods, you are purchasing. Rather than simply throwing it in the trash you will see how much is going into your compost bin on a weekly basis and it may help you adjust your purchases to what you will really eat.
- Reduces amount of trash
- Keeps us accountable
- Rebuilds healthy soil
- Reduces the need for fertilizers
- Reduces the amount of organic matter in landfills, which is better for the environment
- Creates healthy soil that retains more water which in turn reduces the risk of drought
- Healthy soil means healthier more productive plants.
There have been a few programs and many articles that have shared frightening thoughts about the future of our food security. Many believe that the soil on our planet will not be sufficient to sustain crops for more than a few additional decades. You can watch The Need to Grow or even The Biggest Little Farm to learn more about the benefits of caring for our soil.
What and What Not to Compost
The number of things you can compost may surprise you. Even if you start with the things you are chopping in the kitchen each day you will be helping the planet.
- Fruits and vegetables
- Eggshells
- Coffee grounds and filters
- Tea bags
- Nut shells
- Shredded newspaper
- Cardboard
- Paper (most or your junk mail, but not shiny paper)
- Yard trimmings
- Grass clippings
- Houseplants
- Hay and straw
- Leaves
- Sawdust
- Wood chips
- Cotton and Wool Rags
- Hair and fur
- Fireplace ashes or pellet stoves (if the pellets are natural)
There are some things that you can’t compost in a traditional compost bucket or pile. The All Seasons bucket shared above claims you can compost some of these items, this is due to the fermenting properties that happen in the process. Just do your own research first.
- Black walnut tree leaves or twigs
- Releases substances that might be harmful to plants
- Coal or charcoal ash
- Might contain substances harmful to plants
- Diseased or insect-ridden plants
- Diseases or insects might survive and be transferred back to other plants
- Fats, grease, lard, or oils*
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
- Meat or fish bones and scraps*
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
- Dairy products (e.g., butter, milk, sour cream, yogurt) and eggs*
- Create odor problems and attract pests such as rodents and flies
- Pet wastes (e.g., dog or cat feces, soiled cat litter) *
- Might contain parasites, bacteria, germs, pathogens, and viruses harmful to humans
- Yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
- Might kill beneficial composting organisms
* These items may be accepted by local composting companies, or can be composted in different ways. Do your research first.
Conclusion
Hopefully at this point you have picked out your compost bucket and are ready to get started. If you still have questions though, please post them below. Let’s get out there and improve our soil
