As a renter, you may not have ascertained nor thought about composting your kitchen scraps. After all, composting isn’t a possible course of action unless you have a big garden. Right?
The real truth is that even if you don’t have too much space, there are still crucial reasons to compost your kitchen scraps. What’s more, it’s simple for renters to compost, even without a big yard or garden! Compost is great for all kinds of uses and can help you live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.
This guide presents the basics of composting, and so much more, like what it is, why people do it, and the actions you must take to effectively start.
What is composting?
In the most essential terms, composting is the process of breaking down organic materials into a rich soil amendment. This “amendment” can then be utilized to increase the quality of your garden soil, enable your plants to grow, and act as a natural fertilizer.
When you compost, you’re highly mirroring nature’s process of breaking down organic matter. By working on this, you’re creating a product that is good for the environment and essentially invaluable for many green, growing things!
Why compost?
There are various rationales to compost, however, one of the most essential is that it minimizes 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 transmitted to landfills every year, and these materials can take years to break down.
Another important reason to compost is that it enables you to improve the quality of your garden soil. Compost enriches the soil with nutrients that plants call for to grow, and it aids to improve the soil’s structure, making it better able to retain water and resist pests and diseases.
What can be composted?
Most variations 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 through this helpful guide from the EPA.)
How do I start composting?
Many Long Branch renters don’t grasp and understand that they can compost their food waste at home. By composting, you can reduce your garbage output and considerably help the environment. Here are a few useful tips to start:
- If needed, phone your landlord or Long Branch property manager to ask permission to compost on the premises.
- If you take up residence 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 smaller yard or patio, think about buying a small compost bin to keep your food waste in until you’re ready to dispose of it properly. You can find these bins at many hardware stores or online.
- Start putting your food waste in a container. You can certainly use 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. Bear in mind to mix it in well, this way it breaks down perfectly.
- If your food waste has broken down, you can apply it as fertilizer for your plants or donate it to a local community garden.
Composting is an optimum solution 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 begin composting today!
Are you looking out for a new rental home – plausibly one with a wide yard or garden? If so, consider our listings online to effectively find your next home.
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