Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter, like food scraps and yard clippings that is then added to soil to help plants grow. It is a significant process within our waste systems that is an essential aid in fighting the climate crisis. It is spreading more significantly as more and more information is discovered about the benefits of composting. The process is neat and the positive environmental effects make it an appealing habit to adopt into our lives. Make dirt not waste!!
The Impact of Composting on the Environment:
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Helps reduce waste in landfills.
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Check out this article a fellow ZWOT member wrote about Carbon Sequestration!
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40% of residential waste found in landfills is supposed to be composed. So by composting, you help extend the life of landfills.
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Composting proves to be an effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions!
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It also helps conserve our natural resources, like water.
Other Important Benefits of Composting:
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Saves water!
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Because compost helps retain most of the soil moisture so you end up watering less.
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There is a significant reduction in the need/use of pesticides, thus reducing further emissions that are associated with them.
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Compost can filter from 60-95% of urban stormwater pollutants from the soil.
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Saves money
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By decreasing the need for chemical fertilizers!
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Improves soil
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And those nutrients do not get washed away from rain so there is no waste!
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Soils are able to hold and/or sequester carbon dioxide when compost is used.
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Composting aids in reducing soil erosion.
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Increases soil fertility, converts nitrogen into a more stable form and phosphorus into a less soluble form.
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Grows stronger, healthier plants, and overall garden.
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Healthy soils are extremely important for protecting watersheds. Through composting proves to be the best way to add the vital organic matter to our soils.
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Composting creates jobs!
Basics of Composting:
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Composting 101--another great resource from another ZWOT member!
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Backyard Composting vs Curbside/CU Campus
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Check out this article about Industrial Composting!
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For backyard composting: There are two main types of organic materials you can compost: greens and browns. Greens are high in nitrogen and described as 'wet.' Browns are described as 'dry' materials and are high in carbon. For more details, read this article on the do’s and don'ts of backyard composting!
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If your town does not have its own composting service, here are a few resources I have found to be helpful for D.I.Y. composting!
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What you can and cannot compost in your backyard:
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Can: vegetable scraps, newspapers, dead leaves, eggshells, dead flowers, hair/fur, cardboard, grass, napkins and paper towels, shredded paper, etc.
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Cannot: meat, fish, animal fats, dairy products, any glossy paper, animal feces, ashes, oils, citrus peels!
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Other Resources on Composting:
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For more information on composting, check out one of our most recent AMA’s on our instagram page here!
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We answered some questions that got sent in as well as discussing some common topics about composting.
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If you are holding a Zero Waste Event, look at these resources during the planning process.
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Here is a list of acceptable items in your compost bin on the CU campus!