by 6 people |
Helping The Environment Through Composting
We all know that composting is the right thing to do. Why then don't we all do it? Probably because it can seem a bit confusing, or messy, or maybe even a hassle. But if you really want to do your part in helping your environment, composting is a great place to start.
Composting is not hard at all. In fact it is really easy, and a fun project for the whole family.
The information in this lens will help you get started, which is always half the battle. I will take the mystery and confusion out of composting and show you how it can easily be done.
You will feel so good knowing you are doing your part in helping this great earth!
Let's get to it!!!!
It's fun!!
What Is Compost?
Compost is organic material that can be used as a soil amendment or as itself to grow plants. Mature compost is a stable material with a content called humus that is dark brown or black and has a soil-like, earthy smell.It is created by combining organic wastes (yard trimmings, food wastes, manures) in a ratio into piles or vessels, while adding bulking agents, (wood chips, sawdust, etc.) to accelerate the breakdown into a finished product.
Composting is the same method nature used to create topsoil to begin with. We do it the same way only faster.
Which Composting Unit To Use?
You could just make a compost pile in the corner of your yard, but it doesn't look very nice and is very unorganized. I recommend a holding unit of some type. It is the fastest way to compost.Of all the types of holding units, compost tumblers are best. Why?
Tumblers look nice. Neighbors and family won't complain that it's ugly. Pest will not be able to get into them, including your dog. Any smell stays in the tumbler. They are super easy to use and maintain. And most importantly, tumblers make compost fast.
Tumblers will help make your composting experince a fun and fulfilling one.
The Two Best Compost Tumblers
Both of these are great and will make composting a breeze!
Green Envirocycle Composter
This compost tumbler from the garden store: Yardiac, is a fantastic deal. It is perfect for a regular size yard (under an acre) and the regular size household. It is inexpensive and very easy to use, and it looks cool too. The people at Yardiac are very passionate about gardens and lawns and the environment. They are great to work with.
Yardiac Tumbler
This tumbler produces 8 cubic feet of compost. My lawn is three acres and I would be lost without this composter. It was made for me. It is quick and inexpensive. It has openings in both ends which makes it super easy to use. Check it out!
These two tumblers are awesome.
Why Composting?
The problem of waste disposal is at an all time high. We are running out of room. Landfills are filling up, and new sites are not easy to find. We all must conserve existing landfill space and develop alternative methods of dealing with waste. Don't throw away waste when you can compost it and use it to benefit your lawn and garden.
Composting is in your best interest-
We must become responsible for our own waste and leave a smaller footprint on the environment. More and more cities are refusing to haul off our leaves and grass clippings. Doesn't it make since to compost and reuse, then to use up more landfill space.
Compost Enriches Soil
Compost has the ability to improve poor soils. The composting process encourages the production of beneficial micro-organisms which in turn break down organic matter to create humus.Humus is filled with vital nutrients which in turn increases the nutrient content in the poorer soils and helps it to retain moisture.
Compost has also been shown to suppress plant diseases and pests, reduce the need for chemical fertilizers, and produce better, healthier, and more plant product.
Best Composting Links
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Very specific details on all aspects of composting.
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- Composting information for your backyard and farming with compost.
- Wikipedia
- General composting information with additional links.
- Composting for Kids
- Very cool slide show showing the basics of composting.
What To Compost
- Animal Manure
Cardboard Rolls
Clean Paper
Coffee Grounds and Filter
Dryer and Vacuum Cleaner Lint
Eggshells
Friuts and Vegetables
Grass Clippings
Houseplants
Leaves
Sawdust
Wool Rags
Shredded Newspaper
More great Information about composting
Let it Rot!: The Gardener's Guide to Composting (Third Edition) (Storey's Down-to-Earth Guides)
Amazon Price: $9.97 (as of 07/12/2009) 
Backyard Composting: Your Complete Guide to Recycling Yard Clippings
Amazon Price: (as of 07/12/2009)
Worms Eat My Garbage: How to Set Up and Maintain a Worm Composting System
Amazon Price: $10.15 (as of 07/12/2009)
The Rodale Book of Composting: Easy Methods for Every Gardener
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/12/2009)
by Earthserver
Hello fellow earth dwellers.
I have worked professionally as a conservationist for 26 years.
It is an honor for me to help in protecting and conserv...
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