Home composting
From a sustainability perspective, what happens to the waste we generate at home is very important. If we already collect plastic, metal and paper selectively, it's not difficult to go one step further and start recycling kitchen waste too!
What is composting?
Composting is just like recycling, but with decomposing waste. By definition, compost is made up of organic matter, mainly decaying plant parts. These include food scraps, leaves, and even animal waste – composting can be used to create a natural soil conditioner. Various microorganisms break down the organic waste, turning it into a nutrient-rich material that can then be used to grow plants in your garden or home.
What are the benefits of home composting?
Composting is a very environmentally friendly solution, effectively reducing the amount of organic waste going to landfills or incinerators, as it is used in our homes and gardens to produce reusable, useful materials. Organic waste decomposing in landfills in the absence of oxygen releases methane – a strong greenhouse gas – while bacteria in composted organic waste transform the organic matter into nutrient-rich humus without any harmful effects.
Useful properties of compost:
- Soil improver. Compost improves soil structure, water and heat retention, thus helping to combat pests and prevent plant diseases.
- It functions as a natural fertilizer, eliminating the need for environmentally harmful artificial fertilizers.
- A nutrient-rich raw material. Organic matter is converted by fungi and beneficial bacteria into humus, which is very rich in nutrients and can be used in a wide range of crop production.
- Reduces methane emissions. Organic materials that go into composters instead of landfills do not decompose, but are transformed by bacteria and fungi, thus reducing our ecological footprint.
How can we compost at home?
The easiest way to start composting is in a compost bin in our garden, but fortunately, city dwellers also have the opportunity to compost at home.
What is the composting process if we have a garden?
Find a shady, dry place . But make sure there is a water source nearby. This is where we will compost.
Add brown and green waste. Brown, fibrous waste should go at the bottom of the compost pile: branches and fallen leaves can go here; green waste, such as grass clippings or kitchen scraps, vegetable and fruit scraps, can go on top. Larger pieces should be shredded.
Moisten the compost pile. If you are adding dry waste to your compost, it is a good idea to moisten it with some water.
Turn the compost over. Once the reaction has started, we need to make sure that the pile always has a supply of oxygen, so it's worth turning our compost over a little every time we add new waste.
Cover the compost. It is worth covering your compost pile with plastic wrap, which will protect it from the elements but keep moisture in.
The bottom of the compost will soon be dark and rich in nutrients, the “completion time” is between 2 months and 2 years, depending on the type of waste.
If you don't have a garden, you can still start composting at home, as there are containers specifically designed for this purpose. You can find them in garden centers and hobby shops, but you can also easily order one online. It's worth starting with a container designed for direct composting, as this way you can ensure that your waste doesn't smell and you can easily track the process.
What can be composted?
This list will help if you are unsure:
- Vegetable and fruit waste
- Cereals, such as bread, pasta or various cereals
- Coffee grounds
- Tea bags (not all of them are compostable!)
- Herbs and spices
- Nuts
- Eggshell
- Letters
- Plant clippings
What should we not compost?
- Meat
- Butter
- Dairy products
- Animal fats
By reusing our waste, we can live a healthier and more sustainable life. Let's strive to apply recycling and the benefits of a circular economy in all areas of life! You can also find cleaning products that come from recycling, such as CYCLE, which is made from biomass. CYCLE makes eco-friendly, completely vegan products from biodegradable waste, which is broken down by bacteria into acetic acid, which is ultimately used as an effective cleaning agent. It's a bit like composting.
