Over $9.5 billion is thrown away in Arizona on food waste annually, which contributes to the loss of valuable resources and increased greenhouse gas emissions. One of the best ways to help reduce food waste is through composting at home. Composting can introduce necessary nutrients to the soil that can improve the quality of gardens, plants, and the environment.
According to Waste Not, food waste makes up over 24% of material in landfills, and when that food goes to waste, so do the resources that go into producing, packaging, and preparing that food such as water, energy, and money.
What Can You Compost?
Being able to help the environment through composting begins with knowing what you can compost at home. Most kitchen scraps and other household organic items are compostable. The suggested ratio for composting is 2:1 green and brown waste. Green waste includes items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and grass clippings, while brown waste includes leaves, cardboard, and shredded newspaper.
Composting Basics at Home
To start a compost bin at home, the only things needed are a mix of “green” scraps and “brown” scraps. It should contain a 2:1 ratio in order for microorganisms to successfully break down the material added to the bin. The compost owner should turn the pile every week or two to add oxygen to the materials, which can speed up decomposition. The bin should be kept moist, but not too soggy.
Although it is not necessary to buy an indoor or outdoor compost container to use, there are many budget, beginner-friendly compost bins that can be used indoors and outside. Many neighborhoods and apartment communities also offer compost drop-off programs, which make it easier for households to participate.
Why Composting Matters
By taking the time to add food waste to compost bins, households can play an important role in reducing the amount of food waste that is sent to landfills. Food waste that goes to landfills is forced to break down without any oxygen, which can produce a potent greenhouse gas known as methane. Composting allows food to break down in a way that enriches soil rather than causing harm to the environment, and can promote healthier natural ecosystems.
How to Store Compost Without the Smell
Many people worry about the smell that comes with composting, but with the correct storage, the smell can be kept to a minimum. Purchasing a sealed countertop container can help to trap smells from escaping into your house. By emptying the container often into an outdoor compost pile or bin, you can ensure that the container isn’t too full, which could lead to a stronger smell.
Composting can be a free and easy way to make an impact in your community and reduce food waste. By starting a compost bin, people can begin building a nutrient base to use in their yards and gardens, and help to lower the staggering amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere each day. Any food waste that can be avoided and used as compost makes a difference in our environment, whether it is a single piece of fruit, or an entire compost bin of scraps.
