The Benefits of Composting

Composting is a practice as old as agriculture itself. It’s the process of recycling organic materials like food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. In today’s world, where sustainability is becoming more critical, composting is a simple and effective way to contribute to eco-friendly living. 

Not only does it reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, but it also creates something invaluable—compost, often referred to as "black gold" by gardeners.

This blog post explores the multiple benefits of composting, how to start composting at home, and essential products that can make your composting journey even more efficient.


Why Should You Compost?

The benefits of composting extend far beyond just gardening. Whether you have a large backyard or a small apartment, composting offers an array of advantages for you and the planet.

  • Reduction in Landfill Waste
Organic matter makes up a significant portion of household waste. On average, about 30-40% of the waste we throw away could be composted. Instead, it ends up in landfills where it decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen), releasing methane—a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide. 

Composting at home drastically reduces the volume of waste you send to the landfill and your overall environmental footprint.

  • Creation of Nutrient-Rich Soil
One of the most important benefits of composting is the production of nutrient-rich humus. This dark, crumbly substance is full of beneficial microbes and nutrients, which helps plants grow healthier and stronger. 

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a newbie with a few houseplants, using compost in your soil provides a natural, balanced source of nutrition for your plants, improving their resilience to disease and promoting strong root systems.

  • Reduction of Chemical Fertilisers
Many people rely on chemical fertilisers to boost plant growth. However, these fertilisers can harm the environment by leaching into water systems, causing pollution, and contributing to issues like algal blooms. 

Compost, on the other hand, offers a natural alternative, enriching the soil without the harmful effects of chemicals.

  • Carbon Sequestration
Composting helps in the fight against climate change. When organic waste breaks down in landfills, it produces methane. However, when composted properly, the process is aerobic (with oxygen), and methane production is minimised. 

Moreover, healthy compost-enriched soils can sequester carbon, pulling it from the atmosphere and storing it in the soil, where it’s beneficial rather than harmful.

  • Soil Improvement
Composting enhances the structure and fertility of soil. For clay-heavy soils, compost helps break down the density, allowing for better water drainage and root penetration. For sandy soils, compost adds organic matter, improving water retention and preventing erosion. 

In both cases, compost boosts the biological health of the soil, encouraging the growth of beneficial microorganisms and worms, which further aerate the soil and make nutrients more accessible to plants.

  • Water Conservation
Compost improves the soil’s ability to retain water, meaning your plants will need less watering. This is particularly important in areas prone to drought, where water conservation is crucial. 

Additionally, compost-enriched soil helps reduce runoff, allowing rainwater to infiltrate the ground more effectively and reduce soil erosion.

What Can and Can’t Be Composted?

Not all organic materials are compostable. Understanding what to include in your compost bin or pile will help ensure the process runs smoothly and without problems like bad odours or pests.

Compostable Items (Greens & Browns):

Greens (Nitrogen-rich materials)
  • Fruit and vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds and filters
  • Tea bags
  • Fresh grass clippings
  • Eggshells
  • Plant trimmings

Browns (Carbon-rich materials)

  • Dead leaves
  • Shredded newspaper and cardboard
  • Straw and hay
  • Wood chips
  • Paper towels and napkins (as long as they’re not greasy)

Avoid composting:

  • Meat, dairy, and oily foods: These can attract pests and cause odour problems.
  • Pet waste: It may contain harmful bacteria or parasites that you don’t want in your compost.
  • Diseased plants: Composting these can spread disease to your garden later.

How to Start Composting at Home

Now that you know the benefits, let’s dive into how you can start composting at home, whether you have a large garden or a small kitchen.

Choose the Right Composting Method
  • Compost Bin: A compost bin is ideal for small gardens and urban spaces. It keeps everything contained and neat while helping speed up the composting process by retaining heat and moisture. These bins are widely available, or you can build one yourself using materials like wood or plastic.
  • Compost Pile: If you have the space, you can create a simple open compost pile. This works well in larger yards and for those who aren’t too worried about keeping the process contained. Just be sure to keep the pile moist and turn it regularly for proper aeration.
  • Worm Composting (Vermicomposting): This is a great method for apartment dwellers or those with limited space. Vermicomposting uses worms, typically red wigglers, to break down food waste quickly. It’s incredibly efficient and can be done indoors, making it perfect for city living.

Layering Your Compost

A key principle of composting is the balance between “greens” (nitrogen) and “browns” (carbon). Start by placing a layer of browns at the bottom of your pile or bin, then alternate between greens and browns. 

The general rule is to use two parts brown material to one part green material. This balance ensures a healthy composting process and prevents unpleasant odours.

Maintaining Your Compost
Once your compost pile or bin is set up, you’ll need to maintain it to keep the decomposition process going smoothly. Here’s how:

  • Turn the pile regularly: Oxygen is essential for the composting process, so turning your pile every few weeks helps aerate it, speeding up decomposition and preventing odours.
  • Check the moisture level: The compost should feel like a damp sponge—too dry, and it won’t break down; too wet, and it could start to smell. Add water if it’s dry or more browns if it’s too wet.

Using Your Finished Compost
Depending on the size of your compost bin or pile and the materials you’ve added, compost can take anywhere from two months to a year to fully break down. 

Once it has the texture of dark, crumbly soil and smells earthy, it’s ready to be used in your garden or for your houseplants.


Best Composting Tools and Products

Here are some tools to make composting easier and more effective:

Bamboo Compost Bin
A sleek and eco-friendly countertop bin for storing food scraps before transferring them to your outdoor compost. Its bamboo material makes it both sustainable and durable. [Check it on Amazon]

Compostable Bags
These bags make it easy to collect kitchen waste and toss it into your compost bin without making a mess. Fully compostable, they break down quickly in your pile. [Check it on Amazon]

Compost Aerator
A compost aerator helps mix and turn your pile with minimal effort, ensuring it gets the oxygen needed for decomposition. [Check it on Amazon]

Worm Composting Bin Kit
This all-in-one worm composting kit provides everything you need to start vermicomposting, including a bin, bedding, and red wiggler worms. Perfect for small spaces. [Check it on Amazon]


Composting for a Sustainable Future

Composting is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change, reducing landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions while creating something incredibly beneficial for the soil.

 Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, starting a compost pile or bin is one of the most sustainable actions you can take for your home and the environment.

Want to learn more about eco-friendly practices? Check out our posts on How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient and 

10 Simple Ways to Make Your Daily Routine More Eco-Friendly.


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