Why it matters:
Because all trash is not created equal. In fact, some of it could be helping you around the yard.
Recap:
The average American throws out almost 5 pounds of trash a day and as many as 65 tons of trash per year. According to the EPA, 24% of that waste is comprised of yard trimmings and “food residuals.” (No, “food residuals” are not what they pay actors who work for free.) We’re talking about those fruit and vegetable scraps that accumulate as you prepare a meal. All of which can be disposed of in your garden in the form of compost. But the list of compostable materials goes on! Though not exactly “food residuals”, newpaper, dryer lint, and even hair (Ugh, I guess hair could be a food residual) can be composted. Paired with the 25-50% of household waste that can be recycled we’re talking about a possible 75% reduction in household waste! Read that again for dramatic effect.
Commentary:
For the uninitiated, composting is simply the natural process by which organic materials are broken down. The benefit (in addition to reducing household waste) is that the resulting compost is an excellent mulch and nutrient-rich fertilizer.
Every year Americans spend millions on chemical fertilizers and even store-bought compost (some of which gets it’s start as municipal yard waste). This means you could be effectively paying for the same organic matter three times (once at the market, a second time to have the scraps hauled away, and a third time at the garden center). Save yourself the time (a mere walk to the backyard), effort (dump your scraps in the composter), and money (mother nature is a volunteer) and do the composting yourself.
Start by checking with your local public works department, many (i.e., Los Angeles) offer free classes and reduced prices on store-bought composters. You might also try your local extension agency. You’ll be presented with a glut of helpful composting information… Like what to do about the smell. Hint: Nothing, there isn’t one. You might also give these a try…
Creative Solutions:
- Start a Neighborhood Composting Program
- Try Worm Composting
- Use a Bokashi Kitchen Composter
- Leave Grass Clippings On Your Lawn
