Waste management is evolving and people are becoming more and more aware of what we need to do to improve the sustainability of human activities on this planet. Human population has exploded in the last 2 centuries, and along with that the amount of waste we produce. The planet is in no position to handle this waste and unless humans become better recycler of resources, the planet is going to run dry of its resources and life-supporting ability. We are already witnessing this in the largest ever extinction which happening right now through the biodiversity we’re losing.
To improve the sustainability of our growing activity on this planet, we need to take care of our waste instead of thinking of it as someone else’s problem. The concept of making the best out of the waste appeals to a growing number of people, and people are actively using waste byproducts to make something useful. Composting is one such example of creating something useful out of waste materials. If done at home by enough of us, it will reduce the load on the civic bodies responsible for handling the ever-growing waste, it will reduce the waste-load we create on the planet and it will reduce our dependence of artificial and store-bought fertilizers for our gardens.
What Does Compost Mean?
It is a procedure that involves the decomposition of biodegradable wastes to promote the fertility of the soil and harvest something useful in it. Certain microbes present in the soil break down the organic matter and decompose it. This results in the release of extremely beneficial minerals that make the soil fruitful. This is a process that nature has carried out since forever and has kept the soil fertile. We need to replicate it at the scale of our home.
Benefits of Composting At Home
There are ample of benefits that the procedure of composting offers. Let’s discuss them in detail.
- It promotes the composition of the soil, including its structure and aeration (Circulation of air).
- Since the soil becomes fertile, therefore the plants that will be grown in the soil will be immensely healthy.
- The roots get the proper amount of aeration.
- The soil becomes rich in minerals that promote the development of the plants.
- Composting provides a suitable environment for the growth of the pathogens that break down the dead and decaying organic substance. These microbes act as enzymes and speed up the progression of decomposition.
- The two things that are required for preserving the health of soil are manures and fertilizers. If we are doing composting then there is no need of the fertilizers because the compost is full of vital nutrients like boron, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc.
- It is inexpensive. It is practically free because all you need are the leftovers and peels of vegetables and fruits.
- It is an amazing way to make use of the waste products which otherwise will be trashed and won’t be used.
It is not necessary to have a backyard or garden for composting. You can very easily practice the indoor composting as well. Indoor composting requires the use of specially manufactured bins and trash cans that support the process.
How To Make Compost At Home?
The things you are going to need to prepare organic compost at home:
- A container big enough to hold the compost
- A tray
- A bag of soil
- Old newspapers
Directions
Here is how to make compost at home step by step procedure.
1. Choose A Location
Choose the location to place the compost wisely so that it is out of the reach of small children (if any) and doesn’t take up much space. A wise space would be under the sink.
2. Choose A Container
I have suggested some nice options for the containers to be used for storing the compost in the later sections. You can choose any one of them.
3. Punch Holes In The Container
Now it is time to punch some holes in the bin. This will help in proper aeration of the soil.
4. Cover The Tray With The Newspaper
Cover the tray with the newspaper and place it below the bin.
5. Add The Soil
Add the soil to the container depending upon the size of the container as well as your requirement.
6. Add Shredded Newspaper
Newspapers act like brown composting material. Brown material is something that is dry and woody. These help in elevating the amount of carbon in the soil.
7. Your Compost Is Ready Now Begin Adding Scraps
You can now begin adding the waste products like the vegetable and fruit peels to the bin. Here are a few points you would want to keep in mind while using the bin.
- Balance the compost such that it is neither too wet nor too dry. Make sure to not add too much of newspaper shreds.
- Every once in a week mix the soil and add half a scoop of soil to it.
What To Compost and What Not To?
How to make compost from kitchen waste at home? Composting is an art and must be carried out the way it is supposed to. You cannot just go about adding anything and everything while you prepare a compost. Here is a list of materials that should and should not be added to the compost.
What To Compost?
- Vegetable scraps
- Fruit Peels
- Eggshells
- Yard waste
- Newspaper
- Manure
- Coffee grounds and filters
What Not To Compost?
- Meat or animal products
- Coal Ash
- Weeds or weed seeds
- Pet droppings
- Synthetic chemicals
The process of composting is not as hard as it seems. All you have to do is consistently add waste to the compost. On an average, half a kilo waste is produced from a family of four that can be brought to use. In this way, you get two benefits, you make use of the waste and contribute to the sustainable development by reusing the waste products.
Best Options For Indoor Compost Bins
Some of the best options for compost bins are:
1. Plastic Storage Bins
These are the most inexpensive bins and easy to carry as they are light. Choose the size of bins according to your need. Though the best size is ten gallons.
2. Five-gallon Buckets
These gallons are inexpensive and can be stacked very easily.
3. Old Wooden Dresser Drawers
If you have some oil dressing drawer available you can use that as well.
4. Wine Crates
Wine crates are an excellent option for composting.
So go ahead, try your hand at composting too. The organic waste being produced at your home will then no more be needed to be made “someone else’s problem” and your plants and garden will thank you for giving it the best growth nutrition there is from nature to offer.
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