If you, like us, are on a mission to make your life more sustainable, you may have considered composting. After all, it’s essentially sustainable in every aspect. For starters, it diverts food scraps from landfills (where not only take up a huge amount of space but also decompose anaerobically, a process that leads to the production of greenhouse gases). Once used as fertilizer, it also helps reduce the need for pesticides and promote a healthier, nutrient-rich soil ecosystem. Sold yet? If so, read on to find how to get started on your composting journey—it’s easier than you might think.
Step 1: Get Local
Composting rules, regulations, and opportunities vary significantly by location, so it’s important that you know what you’re dealing with in your area before you get started. Some cities may offer compost pickup services, so it’s worth doing research to find out if yours is among them. That said, most people will probably need to identify a nearby compost drop-off location. (Here are lists for New York and Los Angeles.) The good news? Many are located at farmer’s markets—which are both pretty pleasant, as far as weekend errands go, and a built-in opportunity for shopping sustainably and locally. Two for one, anyone?
Step 2: Invest in a Compost Bin
We get it: the idea of compositing might not sound all that appealing, particularly for city dwellers who can’t relegate their compost to a backyard. That said, modern composting equipment makes it easy to get started as stylishly (and fragrantly) as possible. Look for a countertop composter that includes a charcoal filter and ventilation system to help control odors, then stash it in a corner or under the sink. How often you’ll need to empty it out depends on how often you cook (and how many you’re cooking for), but reading reviews can give you a better idea of what size is right for you and your family.
Not sold on a countertop compost bin? No problem. Just stash your scraps in a bag or food storage container in the back of your fridge, then bring that to your designated drop-off location as needed.
Step 3: Divide Your Scraps
Again, you’ll need to review local regulations for what can and cannot go into the compost pile, as it does differ somewhat. But generally speaking, produce scraps are safe. (Think potato skin, apple cores, and those wilted greens you dug out of the back of your fridge.) Coffee grounds, egg shells, and tea bags—morning essentials alert!—are also great composting candidates. Meat, dairy, and other oily foods are better left in the trash, as they are more likely to attract rodents and other pests. Unfortunately, many compost sites don’t accept product that are marketed as compostable—for instance, those omnipresent doggie bags and their contents.
Step 4: Enlist Support
Like anything in life, you’re more likely to experience success in composting when you have people around you to support your endeavors and keep you accountable. This starts in your own home. Talk to the people you live with—partners, roommates, even (especially!) kids—about why you’re composting and how they can help. If it’s helpful, you can even print a chart to help remind everyone of what does and doesn’t go in the compost bin. You can also try getting neighbors on board. If they’re interested, they may be willing to take turns bringing the compost to your local drop-off point.