Waste Not...
Originally published in the Magic City Billings Life
Authored by Kristen Prinzing
Director of Operations for MusEco Media & Education Project
We have all seen the bumper sticker: "Compost Happens". The phrase both reveals and conceals the essential nature of natures most essential process: recycling once-living matter into a nourishing humus.
The concentration of human settlements and our use of synthetic materials have changed how we participate in this cycle. Food and yard waste now usually ends up in the landfill, which increases production of methane, the most potent greenhouse gas. To reduce your contribution to that problem and prevent unnecessary waste, you can make "compost happens" with a little basic information.
Composting is technically, a strategic process to decompose organic matter. Methods vary depending on what material you compost and how much space and time you can devote to it. Large-scale facilities compost everything from animal carcasses and new-fangled "compostable" plastics to explosives. (But do not try this at home.)
Many residents compost yard and kitchen waste at home. Some have composting bins or tumblers, but many just make a pile, add raw plant materials, stir regularly and keep it moist. It turns what would otherwise be waste into health-giving nutrients to the soil.
Experts generally recommend 40 percent green materials to 60 percent brown materials.
Green materials (nitrogen rich) are green or colorful and wet (kitchen or garden scraps), brown materials (carbon rich) tend to be brown and dry (sticks, leaves, straw.) Make sure to aerate the materials by mixing or tumbling, keep moisture at a "damp sponge" stage.
Done right, composting should not create unpleasant odors. Odors are cause to re-examine methods and make sure that ratios, movement and moisture practices are appropriate.
Farmers have been composting since agriculture began, and they still do. Yet, anyone can participate in this old-as-the planet recycling effort. Our Green Earth will thank you.
