View PDF Newsletter Here
SOCRRA E-News Update | APRIL 2017
Whether you grow flowers, vegetables, houseplants or herbs, you know the importance of using great soil. And that means using compost. Composting, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “is a process that speeds up natural decomposition of organic materials.”
Composting has a wealth of benefits. Environmental benefits include reducing the methane emitted by decomposing food in landfills and improving soil structure. You save money by creating your own nutrient-rich soil amendment, so you can skip buying fertilizer at a store. And it can even reduce the fees that your city (and ultimately you) must pay to collect these materials curbside.
Given all this, you’d think everyone would be composting. Not so. According to a survey by the National Waste and Recycling Association, some 72 percent of Americans don’t compost. But 67 percent say they would be open to doing so as long as it’s easy and doesn’t cost anything extra.
Here’s a few things to consider as you get started:
“Dig” into some research.
There are many books and websites that outline the basic steps of composting. Do some quick research to get familiar with the process and determine the best starting place for your effort.
Composting comes in all shapes and sizes.
Live in an apartment or condo? Try vermicomposting! Have a large backyard? Check out larger systems to capture yard waste and food waste.
Avoid common mistakes.
Composting has been around forever, so learn from those who’ve composted before you! There are simple techniques to avoid odors or other nuisances while composting.
Article source: Earth911
SOCRRA has BIG changes coming soon!
Stay up‐to‐date via our Facebook page and our monthly newsletter to learn about exciting recycling news at SOCRRA!