Everyone wants to make a difference in slowing global warming and creating a more sustainable, greener world. You might consider starting composting if you’re looking for simple ways to help the planet.

The benefits of composting are many and are worth learning more about,

Compost basics, this includes organic materials like vegetables and other table scraps.  If you live in Texas or other states where you have deciduous trees that shed their leaves, this yard waste makes excellent compost.  These are all natural materials that will not benefit the compost process. Water is an essential component to any compost pile. Without the proper amount of water the pile will not be able to function properly. This means that without enough water the compost pile will not have the correct moisture level to allow it to breakdown properly and compost material will not be created.

 What Is Composting? 

Simply put, compost is an organic matter that has been decomposed. It can come from trees to egg shells to banana peels. Vegetable and other table scraps, fruit rinds, leaves, grass clippings and coffee grounds are all things that are sometimes thrown in the waste bin, but can be composted. These items are naturally broken down and become nutrient-rich fertilizer, which helps plants and gardens grow.

Many things that grow from ground can be composted, such as vegetables and fruits. You can also compost seeds, nuts, and bread.

It is important to know what can’t be composted. It is best to keep oily items out of your pile. They will not compost properly.

 Why should you compost? 

It is good for the environment, as you won’t waste as much food. But compost is also great for your garden. It is high in nutrients which will enrich your soil and make your plants stronger. Your compost can also be used to help houseplants thrive if you don’t have a garden.

 How Do I Start Composting? 

Your composting should be placed in a bin with a lot of airflow. Your compost will be more efficient if it is moist. Add leaves or brown paper if your compost smells, as this could be caused by rotten food. Your compost will begin to decompose over time and turn into a mulch similar to soil. It is ready to go in your garden when it has doubled in size.

Many of the items that turn into compost need to have the right oxygen levels to decompose. Fortunately there are a couple ways to help ensure that your compost pile has the proper oxygen levels to breakdown food scraps, yard clippings and even pet waste. Some of the things that can be added to compost piles to increase the oxygen concentration in the pile are straw, alfalfa hay, fresh grass clippings or leaf peepers.

 More Tips:   

  • Shredded paper can be used in compost to stop it from smelling and create more compost.
  • Once compost is dry, it will look similar to a moist soil. You can then place it in your garden.
  • Coffee grounds can be composted – worms love them and it will accelerate the process.

Benefits from Composting

It is great for the environment. It reduces the amount of trash that ends up in landfills by a lot. It will reduce the amount of carbon emissions required to transport this waste around.

Not only is composting good for your plants but it also helps the environment. The soil is rich in multiple nutrients and composting reduces the need to fertilize or use pesticides. It would be cheaper to compost if everyone did it.

Because you use less garbage disposal, composting can help lower your electricity bill. You can also use comparison websites to see if there are other ways you can reduce your electricity bills.

 Other ways to help the environment 

You can help the environment by composting. Not only will you encourage your plants to flourish, but also you’ll be reducing waste. Here are some small ways you can help the environment.

Encourage your family and friends to compost. The more people who compost, the better the environment will be.

If you are able, cycle/walk to work rather than driving. You will also save fuel!

Make sure you turn off appliances you don’t use and that lights are turned off when you leave a room.  Saving energy is really at the top of the list of things you can do to help the environment. The electricity you use must be generated from something, and unfortunately in today’s world, that often means burning natural gas or other petroleum products.  

Saving on your utility bills can not only help the environment, but it can positively impact your budget. You have the power to compare your utility provider when you live in a state that is not regulated, like Texas or Pennsylvania. This should not be ignored. This is a privilege that shouldn’t be underestimated.

 Conclusion 

Composting can be done if you have the space. This will help you reduce your waste and do more to help the planet.