Composting Now

So you’ve heard about composting but you’re not sure why, where, when or how. Well, we’ve made it easy for you. EcoMom Robin Wright Penn graciously allowed us to join her as our Program Director Chrise de Tournay Birkhahn set up a composting site at her home so as your first step, check out the video to see just how easy it is:

WHY:

  • Over 1/3rd of all trash that ends up in our landfills comes from green waste.
  • With landfills around the world quickly reaching capacity, we’ll soon have to start transporting our trash to new locations further increasing the natural resources used in waste management.
  • Less trash =’s reduced use of fossil fuels and fewer CO2 and methane emissions, both of which contribute to global warming.
  • It’s a great way to teach your children about the food cycle.
  • Composting can save you money on trash collection and help fertilize your garden (or your friend’s garden).

WHERE:

In your yard, on your balcony, or in your community. From worm bins for apartments, to multi-level, compost systems in backyards or neighborhood lots, there are a variety of composting options that make it doable for anyone. Build your own bin, as we have done here, or visit www.CompostGuide.com for bins to purchase.

WHEN:

The time is now. Whether you are motivated by helping to stop the climate crisis, saving money on trash collection or teaching your children about the food cycle, there is no better time than the present to begin composting. The legacy you will leave future generations begins with the actions you take today and composting is an easy action item to implement in your daily living immediately.

HOW:

We like the build your-own-and-let-it-rot system we have shown in the video we shot with Robin because it is really, really easy and affordable. Technically it’s more rotting than composting but with one trip to the local hardware store, $29, less than an hour to set it up and about 10-minutes per week for maintenance, this is hard to say no to.

What you’ll need:

  • Plastic 20 gallon trash bin (used is fine!). Warm in the sun for easier cutting.
  • Wire mesh to line ground under the bin and keep out pests
  • Wire cutters
  • Shovel
  • Drill

Getting Started:

  • Dig a hole 8″ deep and slightly larger than the perimeter of your bin (In choosing location, go for convenience. We’ve got ours at the same place we keep the trash and don’t have any problem with smells, insects or rodents.)
  • Cut the wire mesh slightly larger than the bottom of your bin and place inside hole (using a ribbon to measure is helpful).
  • Drill holes around the top edge of your bin for aeration.
  • Insert bin snugly into hole.
  • Fill in edges around bin with dirt you displaced.

Usage:

  • Utilize an air tight container to collect food scraps in your kitchen.
  • OK: fruits, vegetables, tea bags, coffee grinds, egg shells, grains, legumes, egg cartons
  • NOT OK: bones, meat, plastic ties, metal tags
  • Use a rake, shovel or pitch fork to turn your compost over once a week, adding in dry leaves and cut grass to create a rich mix of nutrients (avoid Oak leaves and Eucalyptus). This is a great job for kids!
  • Approximately once every other month you can collect from the bottom of your bin the fresh, rich soil that has been created and can now be used for your garden (or give it to a friend or local nursery).

To start an EcoMoms Composting Now Campaign in your community, please contact chrise@ecomomalliance.org