Compost: Making Every Day Earth Day

There are many things that we can do to help the environment this Earth Day. But, Earth Day should really be every day. So, why not make this Earth Day count by making a commitment to do something that improves the environment all year? Composting is the purposeful biodegradation of organic matter, like kitchen scraps and plant material, into nutrient rich soil that is very beneficial to the environment, and starting one for your home is an excellent way to be environmentally conscious all year round.

Composting improves the environment by helping to regenerate poor soils, which reduces the need for frequent watering, chemical fertilizers and harmful pesticides. It also helps to remediate contaminated soils and prevent further pollution. Many common household materials can be composted including cardboard rolls, clean paper, coffee grounds and filters, cotton rags, dryer lint, eggs shells, ashes, grass clippings, hair or fur, nut shells, newspaper, tea bags and plant materials. Things that should not be composted are black walnut trees, coal or charcoal ash, dairy products, diseased or insect ridden plants, fats, grease, lard, or oils, meat or fish, pet wastes or plant material that has been treated with chemicals. The composing process is complete when the bottom material becomes a rich dark color, called humus.

The science behind good composting is concerned with four things: particle size and composition, moisture content, oxygen and temperature. Particle size is important because the smaller the particles the more surface area microbes have to access leading to faster composting rates and a more homogenous final product. Carbon and Nitrogen are the building blocks of compost and can be found in brown and green materials: brown signifies high carbon and is found in trees and leaves; green signifies high Nitrogen and is found in most fruits and vegetables. Equal amounts of both are necessary for good composting. Moisture is vital because it sustains microbes and transports materials evenly throughout. Oxygen is important because it also sustains microbes and allows decomposition to occur much faster than anaerobic conditions. Finally, temperature ranges can influence microbial activity and impact the overall rate of decomposition. Most microbes require a temperature from 130 to 160 F for optimal break down activity.

There are many ways you can compost, both outside and indoors. Here are just two examples to get started. Outside compost piles are the most common for small households with lots of natural outdoor space. This begins by selecting a dry shady area away from buildings. Begin by adding equal amounts of small brown and green materials and moisten with water. Mix in organic material under 10 inches of compost material and along with surrounding dirt which contains vital minerals, stir the pile often keeping it moist. Outdoor composting can take anywhere from two months to two years. Because New York experiences several months of intense winter you can continue to add to your compost pile but the process will be temporarily delayed until temperatures increase in the summer months.

Contemporary indoor composters are compact machines that accelerate decomposition and are useful for homes with a lack of outdoor space for a traditional compost pile. These can be expensive anywhere from $100 to $400. But, they are much faster and require less maintenance than traditional outdoor composting. The same basic principles apply, equal amounts of green and brown and plenty of water. Food scraps are placed inside the chamber and the composter automatically turns, aerates and controls the temperature for optimal microbial activity. Composters can create rich humus in as little as two weeks.

The final product, humus, is nutrient rich and excellent for gardening or landscaping. If you already use compost for your organic waste products than way to go! You are well on your way to making Earth Day every day. But, some things that you can continue to think about are making changes to improve the quality of what gets composted and aim to reduce your total generated waste. You can begin by making eco-friendly conscious decisions when purchasing products. Try to buy items with little to no packaging or that are labeled as biodegradable. The less non-recyclable waste generated and the more biodegradable waste that can be recycled creates a healthier environment for everyone.

Photos by Mary La France