Let’s Make 2023 Our Greenest Year Ever!
December 22, 2022
Eye on the Environment
February 21, 2023
Composting 101, Brittany Vega
Hi friends! Thanks for coming back to the blog! With the New Year in full swing, hopefully you’re starting to find your rhythm in 2023! This month we will revisit the basics of home composting. You also always welcome to drop off food scraps at the GoZero Composting bins near the Municipal Building.
By definition, “compost” is a process that involves the decaying of organic substances, most commonly prepared by decomposing food and plant waste. The process involves green (nitrogen) and brown (carbon) materials that break down to a usable soil. Gardeners rejoice when using this rich soil to supply essential nutrients for their fruits and vegetables during the growing season! What better time to start working on your compost pile, than in the Winter.
How to make compost – Here’s what you need:
Approximately 3 feet of space
Water & Oxygen
2 Parts Brown Material
1 Part Green Material
Here’s an easy guide to help you on your journey!
| Healthy Compost Additions: | Compost Items to Avoid: |
| Coffee Grounds
(Green Material) |
Dairy Products |
| Food & Fruit Scraps
(Green Material) |
Animal Bones & Meats |
| Napkins/Paper Towels (Brown Material) |
Garlic |
| Egg Shells
(Green Material) |
Fish Waste |
| Grass Clippings
(Green Material) |
Chemicals |
| Dry Leaves
(Brown Material) |
Bread |
| Weed & Plant Clippings
(Green Material) |
Pet Waste |
| Tea Leaves & Bags
(Green Material) |
Peels |
| Junk Mail & Newspaper
(Brown Material) |
Glossy Paper |
Helpful Tips:
Some pets love compost bins. You may want to build a fence around the perimeter to help keep the compost in and your four-legged friends out!
Don’t stress yourself out about the exact ratio of material going into your compost – instead focus on what is and isn’t acceptable to compost (see list above).
3 Benefits to Composting:
- It’s an easy way to get rid of food scraps and yard waste!
- It drastically cuts down on what you send to the landfill!
- You can use it to feed your garden!
As the cold continues to storm through Ohio, know that we are all in this together. No matter what path you find yourself on, engage all of your senses as you embrace this season of life and all the beauty that it brings! PS: If Winter isn’t for you…know that Spring will be here before we know it!
