Today we are tackling food waste, and how you can reduce the amount you send to landfill – compost is also just really fun!
Let’s Talk About… Composting!
Welcome to day 10 of the #GreenBookFairies! In support of #PlasticFreeJuly today we are talking all things compost – to help us save more and more from landfill.
The problem:
New research has found that almost half of the food waste in the average rubbish bin could have been composted (RecycleNow). You can do your bit to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill or other more costly forms of treatment by composting your food and garden waste at home. It’s so satisfying to make your own compost and also save taking a stinky bin out so often!
The solutions:
- Build a compost heap in the garden from leftover wood
- Buy a compost bin for your garden – there are ones made from recycled plastic or wood
- Ask your local authority about food waste collection
- Buy a countertop compost bin or re-use another container (with a lid!) for this purpose
You can look up any of these options on YouTube to see how it’s done!
Making a compost bin out of wooden pallets:
Things to consider:
If you have your own compost heap, avoid adding any cooked or processed food, as this can attract pests such as rats and raccoons. You can of course secure your compost bin, too.
If you have your compost collected by a local authority, to be composted elsewhere, you can add cooked food and other items not suitable for home composting.
Be patient. The main reason you’re trying to compost at home is to dispose of food waste in a responsible way – the bonus will be some homemade compost, but it could take over a year!
Top composting tips:
- stir / turn your compost every couple of weeks. This aerates it and allows the worms and other fantastic bugs and creepy crawlies to get to all the layers
- When you empty your countertop bin into your main compost bin, fill it up and swill it around with water, and then pour that into the compost, too. Keeping the compost moist will encourage worms and discourage ants.
Fairy verdict:
“Composting is a new and exciting journey, before this we were using the council compost bins, now we have a garden one repurposed from old raised beds. So far it contains uncooked food scraps, garden waste and layers of cardboard – the aim is to be able to replenish the garden with the results”
– Verity, Wales
Do you have any composting tips? Please comment below!