Composting is the ultimate zero waste option for our organic waste. When we are done with pieces of vegetables and fruit that are too ripe, leaves, the ends of cucumber ect we can continue the circle and place the “waste” back to the earth. Why compost? Up to 50% of waste sent to landfills is organic material. Imagine if everyone had a place to compost or used a compost pick up service, there would be a lot less waste and a lot more rich soil for growing plants.
Composting is the process by which we transform organic waste into soil-building substance for optimal growing. Oxygen powered micro-organisms break down the organic matter by digesting it. What is left is rich soil that is great for growing veggies or beautiful flowers.
What is needed in a compost bin or pile? You can compost anything organic and was once living. That being said a mixture of “greens” and “browns” are needed. Greens are fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells, grass and plant droppings ect. Browns are leaves, wood chips, shredded paper, sawdust, straw and hay, cardboard ect. The mixture of browns and greens should not be too wet or too dry. Keeping the compost moist will create rich soil in 6 to 12 months. It is also important to mix or stir your compost every 6 or so weeks.
Do I have to buy a fancy and expensive spinning compost? No! You certainly can go out and buy a compost bin or a nice rotating compost but a cheap or DIY version or the “old fashioned” pile of organic matter will still turn organic waste into soil. A cheap and easy option is to use a 5 gallon bucket or a trash can. Any bin with a lid to keep soil moist and animals out will work. Drill holes in the bottom for drainage. Create a base of browns and fill about 1/8 full. Add dirt. Start composting! There are many DIY tutorials online for open compost bins made with pallets, old doors, garbage cans, Rubbermaid bins.
What should I avoid in my compost?
-Pressure treated lumber: treated with chemicals
-Coated or glossy printed paper: magazines, postcards, advertisements
-Disease and infested plants: the disease may infect the entire bin of soil
-Bakery Products: will attract insects and animals
-Cooking Oil: will slow down the process.
-Dairy products
Dental Lace has worked hard to produce silk dental floss that can be placed in a home compost. We found that placing our floss in an outdoor bin every time we flossed to be a bit time consuming so we have come up with a solution. We will be launching a small metal compost bin for bathroom products. It is a beautiful little container that can be placed on a bathroom counter and when full be dumped into an outdoor compost.
We hope to have inspired you to start a compost or seek a curbside pickup service. Your waste could be someone else’s gain. Let’s work on creating less waste and helping our bodies and our earth be healthy.
