Recycling: How To Start And Maintain A Compost Pile
Because food waste, when compiled properly and maintained can create rich soil that can be reused on lawns and gardens, it seems the thought of not having one is the poorer choice. We have to eat and there is inevitably an excess and waste, that it seems like a no-brainer to put our scraps and law clippings to good use.
To begin your project you will need a compost bin. Compost bins can be built or purchased. Before putting out any money for this project, check with your town hall to see if they sponsor a program that will provide residents with the bins. If your town doesn't provide bins specifically for composting, you should check with local hardware or home improvement stores. These bins can also be found online or via gardening center websites or catalogs.
If none of these options pan out, a compost bin can be built with just a few materials and tools. All that is needed to build your own compost bin would be; some wood, concrete blocks, pallets, wire and maybe even a garbage can with holes poked in the bottom. The only thing to keep in mind when constructing a compost bin is to remember to incorporate a way for excess moisture to escape and a great way to do that is to be sure there are holes at the bottom of the bin but that they are not so big that little critters can climb into the bin and wreak havoc! It's best to keep the drainage holes no more than half an inch in diameter.
Placement of the bin should be somewhere shady, where it can drain properly and where it will be fairly easy to access without being too close to become a "smelly" problem inside your home (or the home of your neighbor)!
The first level of compost should allow for air passages as well as drainage. A layer of smooth rock placed loosely on the bottom of the bin will work to do the trick.
When you start to add to your compost you should think in layers; start with the bottom layer of coarse materials to further enable the air and drainage passage, and then layer between "brown" waste and "green" waste. "Brown" waste may consist of, autumn leaves, wood chips, saw dust, pine needles, paper towels, newspaper and coffee filters and "green" waste consists of, food wastes, fruits and vegetables, egg shells, tea bags, coffee grounds, grass clippings and weeds. Another tip is to add a layer of soil on top of each layer of waste because that will help speed up the process.
One last maintainance tip is to always fluff your layers as you go by using a hoe or a compost turning tool. You'll also want to be sure to "toss" the entire pile once in the spring and again in the fall, wehre you turn the entire pile upside down with the bottom ending up on the top of the pile.
Enjoy your compost pile and know that with every item added it is one less item for the waste that will be left for future generations to contend with.
Comments
Menu
My Articles
Recycling Items Like Computers & TVsEasy Ways To Recycle
Recycling: How You Can Make An Impact
What If You Could Be Paid To Recycle?
Recycling: Are You Doing Everything You Can?
Recycling To Keep Our Planet Healthy
Recycling: Visit A Landfill
Recycling On Loon Mountain In New Hampshire
Recycling Our Closets
Keeping The Environment Safe From Harmful Chemicals
Hotels That Recycle
Buying Appliances With The Energy Star Rating
Recycling At An Annual Festival
Ideas For Family Travel
How Recycling Bags Helps The Environment
Recycling: Even Bricks Can Be ReUsed!
Recycling: How To Prevent The Excess
Outdoor Play Time & Recycling
Recycling: A Look At New York City
Recycling And Kids' Toys
Recycling: Putting An End To Junk Mail
Recycling And Today's Teens
Recycling: How To Start And Maintain A Compost Pile
My Articles Buying Appliances With The Energy Star Rating We all have appliances that break down or stop working with.. Keeping The Environment Safe From Harmful Chemicals Think about recycling and maybe the first thing to pop.. Recycling: Even Bricks Can Be ReUsed! One of the most innovative ways of recycling materials that have.. Recycling And Today's Teens Recycling has been around longer than any of today's young teens have been.. |
|
|
Related News:
|