As a renter, you may not have thought about composting your kitchen scraps. Because, after all, composting isn’t an alternative unless you have a vast garden. Right?
However, the truth of the matter is that even if you don’t have a whole lot of space, there are still vital considerations for composting your kitchen scraps. What’s more, it’s easy and trouble-free for renters to compost, even without a much bigger yard or garden! Compost is great for all kinds of uses and can help you live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
This guide endows the basics of composting, together with what it is, why people do it, and the measures you necessitate to take to begin.
What is composting?
In the most simple terms, composting is the process of breaking down organic materials into a rich soil amendment. This “amendment” can then be used to make better the quality of your garden soil, fostering your plants to grow, and equally, acting as a natural fertilizer.
When you compost, you’re mostly copying nature’s process of breaking down organic matter. By carrying this out, you’re producing a product that is good for the environment and exceedingly helpful for a lot of green, growing things!
Why compost?
There is plenty of good reasons to compost, but certainly, one of the most imperative is that it aids to decrease the amount of waste that goes into landfills. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, food waste and yard trimmings make up more than 20 percent of what is dispatched to landfills yearly, and these materials can take years to break down.
Another considerable reason to compost is that it allows you to improve the quality of your garden soil. Compost enriches the soil with nutrients that plants necessitate to grow, and it enables you to improve the soil’s structure, making it better able to retain water and resist pests and diseases.
What can be composted?
Mostly any sort of organic matter can be composted, including food scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, yard trimmings, and even paper towels and cardboard. You can even compost pet hair and used kitty litter. (For a complete list of what can and cannot be composted, go over this helpful guide from the EPA.)
How do I start composting?
A lot of Downingtown renters don’t perceive they can compost their food waste at home. By composting, you can lessen your garbage output and aid the environment. Here is useful advice on how to start:
- If needed, contact your landlord or Downingtown property manager as regards getting permission to compost on the premises.
- If you reside in an apartment or condo, there may already be a community compost bin that you can put to use. Check with your building management to find out.
- If you have a tiny yard or patio, look into having a small compost bin to keep your food waste in until you’re ready to dispose of it properly. You can easily find these bins at several hardware stores or online.
- Embark on collecting your food waste in a container. You can apply a kitchen garbage can, a plastic storage bin, or even a grocery bag.
- When your container is full, take it to your compost bin and add it to the pile. Be certain to mix it in well so it breaks down efficiently.
- When your food waste has broken down, you can employ it as fertilizer for your plants or donate it to a local community garden.
Composting is an appropriate way to reduce your environmental impact, save stress on your garbage disposal, and save money on fertilizer and potting soil. By following these tips, you can get easily started composting today!
Are you going in search of a new rental home – probably one with a big yard or garden? If so, examine our listings online to discover your next home.
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