Teach Your Kids to be Green: Composting

We have heard it many times over the past decade.  We all know that composting is the way to go for reducing one’s global footprint and reducing the biodegradable trash to be carried to the curb each week.  It is also a great way to teach one’s children about caring for the earth and also about natural processes.  Yet many Americans do not really know that much about composting.  If you are dedicated to setting a good example for your children but need to know a little more before you start showing them the ropes, then you have come to the right place.  This article is dedicated to outlining the ins and outs of proper composting technique.

Defining the Term The first step to understanding the process is to understand what actually occurs.  Composting is simply the breaking down of organic materials, so that they rejoin the earth as natural fertilizer.  Compost, the resulting material of your labor, is an excellent additive for plant or vegetable gardens or even potted plants kept indoors.  Not only does composting help preserve the planet and save you from lugging yet another bag of trash to the side of the road, it can also save you a lot of money that would otherwise be spent on store bought fertilizers.

Containing the Compost This is the upfront expense tied to your green deed, but it doesn’t have to be a big one.  There are several very handy compost containers on the market that allow for easy turning of the organic material (the need for this will be mentioned later in the article) without having to pull out a shovel or rake.  However, you can make your own compost container and it doesn’t have to be fancy at all.  In fact, some people opt to set aside a corner of their property and just begin building the pile.  It should be noted, however, that this will only serve to make the process more difficult as compostable materials build up.  It might be better (if you choose not to buy a pre-fabricated model) to craft a large box, open on top, and with an access panel on the bottom.  This way, the materials that have already broken down can be reached without having to turn over the whole pile.  Honestly, the container is not as important as the location. Decomposition, which is the process that turns these organic wastes into compost, happens best in hot, damp places. You don’t want the pile to get too wet, but dampness is key.  While decomposition can occur at fifty degrees Farenheit, it is most successful when kept warmer so aim to put the pile where it will get some direct sunlight each day.

What Gets Tossed In Perhaps even more important than understanding how it works is understanding what materials may be tossed into the growing mound.  In the kitchen, set aside vegetable and fruit peels, used coffee grounds, eggshells, paper products, bread, out dated spices, and so much more.  You can even make compost from your hair clipping next time you get a new ‘do.  It is best to also include sawdust, grass clippings, autumn leaves, or hay, which will allow air to pass more freely between typical kitchen waste. There are many how-to-guides that will lay out long lists of acceptable items.  Be sure NOT to include meats, bones, plants that have died of natural causes, or chemically treated products (such as pressure treated lumber).  It is also recommended that one refrain from tossing in weeds pulled from the garden, as these can re-root and take over your compost pile.

Your Part in the Process Though this process relies heavily on nature to do its thing, there are parts that you will play in ensuring that it all goes off without a hitch.  As mentioned above, for instance, composting requires that the pile be “mixed up” on occasion.  Turning the materials in the bin will ensure proper air flow that is needed for decomposition.  You may also need to water the pile on occasion.  This is only the case if the pile stays very dry.  It should only be damp, not wet, which might prevent proper air flow.  Finally, you need to remove the finished material and redistribute it to the earth – in the gardens, for instance.  You will know that it is ready to be used when it is brown like soil and smells similar to soil.  Not much of the original materials will be decipherable any longer.  Remember, composting is a process, and the finished product will typically be found at the bottom of the pile.

This is an excellent project for families to do together.  Kids can find joy in determining which kitchen items should be tossed and which should head to the compost bin.  Plus, it is a great place to dispose of both household and outdoor biodegradables and get something – great fertilizer – in return!