Make compost with organic waste

(For the 24th of February)

Birch, Lassen Volcanic National Park, United States
Photograph by Philippe Bourseiller

In nature, compostable waste, like the waste found on the forest floor, decomposes into soil through the action of microorganisms and returns energy and nutrients to the forest floor. Our rubbish contains large amount of organic waste, which, instead of being returned to the natural cycle, is cut off from the soil and added to our landfills.

Leaves, branches and grass from the garden, eggshells, fruit and vegetable peelings, coffee grounds, tea bags and bread from  our tables can all join the compost heap. If mixed well, turned regularly and kept sufficiently moist, in a few weeks this will yield compost, a natural fertilizer that is good for the soil. Whether you make a compost heap or use a bin, there is certainly a composting option suitable for the amount of space you have available.

- from the book '365 Ways to Save the Earth', by Philippe Bourseiller