Composting Overview

What is composting?

In the natural world, bacteria, worms, actinomycetes, molds and other organisms recycle decomposing organic materials. From this process results a rich, dark brown soil chock-full of nutrients called compost. By using the same process in our backyards under controlled conditions, we are simply accelerating and participating in this cycle of life.  The compost that you produce can then be added to your house plants and garden.

Like us, the microbes that make up these decomposers have essential needs:

	Food:	Carbon and Nitrogen (known as Browns and Greens)
	Water:	Add water to the pile making it moist not soggy, the proper moisture should be about the same as a damp, wrung out sponge.
	Oxygen:	Microbes and insects need oxygen to breathe and the air space allows them to move throughout the pile. This is known as aeration.

Why should I compost?

	Your kitchen and yard waste compose about one third of the waste that goes into the landfills. Composting these materials for reuse diverts all of that waste from ending up in our landfills, waterways and water treatment facilities.
	When organic material decomposes deep within landfills, without proper aeration, this material releases methane gases which is a main greenhouse gas, contributing to the global warming problem. Home composting helps the environment!
	Using compost in your garden contributes to stronger, healthier, higher producing plants.  Since compost is rich in nutrients, the vegetables and fruits produced are also high in nutrients. Therefore, when you feed your plants better, you feed yourself better!
	You can use compost to amend poor sandy or high-clay soil. Adding organic materials to soil improves water retention and helps conserve water.
	Healthy plants are able to ward off pests and diseases better. Also, adding compost to your soil feeds beneficial insects and organisms. Both of these things reduces your need to use pesticides. Pesticides and herbicides are washed into storm drains and creeks. These drains' purpose is to prevent flooding by diverting run-off directly into the ocean or other water bodies and the water is not treated. Therefore, these chemicals end up as a pollutant!
	You save money! When you use home compost, you save money that you would have spent on soil conditioners, fertilizers and pesticides!
	Composting enables us to participate in the natural cycle of life rather than just taking from it.  This is a valuable and necessary way of life that we all need to "re-learn" and teach future generations. Get your kids involved!
	The EPA estimates that the amount of waste sent to landfills can be reduced by as much as 24 percent.

Start Composting with our 5 Step Quick Guide to Composting