Importance of Composting
Composting is good for the overall environment and your garden, too. There are many benefits of utilizing an at-home composting bin, including a reduction in trash and the creation of a natural fertilizer. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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Instead of tossing organic matter in the garbage, a compost bin or pile decomposes that waste and turns it into a vitamin-rich soil that improves the health of your garden and wards off pests. Items that can be composted include leaves, vegetable scraps, grass clippings, egg shells, coffee grounds, etc.
Environmental Benefits
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Composting cuts down on the amount of garbage that gets sent to a landfill, thus reducing methane and leachate release and minimizing pollution. Organic compost also cuts down on the need for chemical fertilizers, which can affect the water supply.
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Economic Benefits
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Putting less garbage in a landfill extends the life of that landfill, saving your city or county money in the long run.
Fun Fact
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Because it serves as a natural fertilizer, compost is a valuable product. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the cost of compost can be as much as $100 per ton, for the high-grade, bagged variety.
Considerations
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Only organic materials can be composted. Do not compost plastics, meat scraps, dairy products, pet waste or yard scraps that have been treated with chemical fertilizers.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Tim Parkinson
