You might be surprised that sometimes minor efforts that humans make can impact the environment. As it relates to organic plant material food waste, it’s essential to learn about the benefits of composting.
What Is Composting?
Organic waste, such as that from fruits and vegetables, coffee grounds, and eggshells, can be recycled into nutrient-rich soil amendment known as compost.
Composting is the process of collecting these organic materials together, most often called a composting pile. As the organic matter breaks down, it heats up and creates an ideal environment for decomposition. The result is a dark, crumbly, earthy-smelling valuable substance for many purposes.
Why Is Composting Important?
Composting is important for several reasons:
Reduces Emissions – It helps to reduce methane emissions from landfills. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is much more potent than carbon dioxide.
By composting, we can divert organic waste from landfills, where it would decompose and release methane gas into the atmosphere.
Organic Fertilizer – Composting reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Chemical fertilizers often contain petroleum products and natural gas, which release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere when manufactured.
Additionally, chemical fertilizers can leach into groundwater, polluting our water supply.
By using compost instead of chemical fertilizers, we can help to reduce pollution and protect our water supply.
Composting Improves Soil Structure – When organic matter breaks down, it forms a substance called humus. Humus is very rich in nutrients and helps improve the soil’s texture. Adding compost to areas like flowerbeds, gardens, and lawns can help to improve the quality of the ground.
Compost helps increase the amount of water that the soil can hold. Richer soil is especially beneficial in areas prone to experiencing drought conditions.
Composting Reduces Pests – Another benefit of composting is that it can help to reduce unwanted pests. In addition to lowering pest populations, adding compost to your garden provides a natural food source for beneficial insects like earthworms, ladybugs, and lacewings. These insects help to keep harmful pests under control.
How Can You Compost at Home?
Composting is easy to do at home, and there are many different ways to do it.
One way is to create a small space in the corner of your yard to collect organic waste. Then, you add all your organic waste to the pile instead of throwing it in the trash. Over time, the plant materials decompose and transform into nutrient-rich compost, ready to give back to the land.
Another way is to build a compost bin. That can be as simple as four wooden boards nailed together to form a box, or you can purchase a ready-made container from a garden center.
If you don’t have access to a dedicated piece of land, another potential solution is a countertop composting bin. These bins are small enough to fit on a kitchen counter and use special filters to control odor.
Composting is an excellent approach to reducing waste, improving your soil, and helping the environment, no matter which method you choose.
This article was brought to you by Mulch Yard Landscape Supply, a landscaping supply company providing organic compost to residential homeowners and commercial properties throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.