Composting

I have been composting since the end of Spring. It feels so much better to keep my food waste out of the trash. I live in a house with 6 adults, half of whom are foodies- and who love to cook with whole ingredients. Now, all the food goes into our compost pail and then into our compost bin and not into landfills.

Composting is a tricky habit to learn. I know a lot of people complain about recycling- they're unsure of what can be recycled. I have been recycling for so long that it has become second nature for me. Composting shouldn't take too long to understand. If you're going to start composting at home, be sure you know what can and cannot be put into a compost heap. The dos and don'ts of composting are very simple.

Do put in produce scraps, organic matter, and lawn clippings. Do not, however include cooked food, not even vegetables. Always (and especially in a home compost pile) avoid adding meat, fish, dairy products and bones, pet waste or items cooked in oil to the compost pile. They can attract outdoor pests and harbor many types of bacteria and disease.

Moldy fruits and vegetables are fine to add. Watch the fats you add to the pile as fats are difficult for the good bacteria to digest. Breads and grains can also be added, but in moderation.

Anything you eat can be composted. This statement is true; however, that doesn't mean that every food is ideal for a compost pile. Citrus and alkaline are harmful in excess, and rinds are difficult to break down. As I mentioned before, breads and grains can be composted but are not as quick to decompose. This is also why meat and fats should not be added.

Do you research, read some text on the subject, and then just go at it! It's so much easier to begin than you might think!