How to Compost at Home: A Beginner's Guide

As we celebrate International Composting Week 2023, it’s important to remember that composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Composting helps reduce your household waste, produce nutrient-rich soil for your garden, and contribute to a healthier environment. If you're new to composting, don't worry - it's easy to get started. In this beginner's guide, we'll take you through the step-by-step process of composting at home.

Step 1: Choose the Right Composting Method 

There are several ways to compost at home, including:

• Composting in a backyard bin
• Vermicomposting (using worms)
• Composting in a tumbler
• Burying food scraps directly in your garden

Choose the method that works best for you based on the amount of space you have, the amount of waste you produce, and your personal preferences.

Step 2: Collect Compostable Materials

To start composting, you'll need a mix of "brown" materials (such as dried leaves, twigs, and cardboard) and "green" materials (such as fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds). You can also add eggshells.

Avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily foods, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process.

Step 3: Start Composting 

Once you have your compostable materials, it's time to start composting. Here are the basic steps:

• Add a layer of brown materials to the bottom of your compost bin or tumbler.
• Add a layer of green materials on top of the brown materials.
• Mix the layers together with a shovel or pitchfork.
• Keep adding layers of brown and green materials as you collect them, mixing them together each time.
• Keep the compost moist (but not too wet) by adding water as needed.
• Turn the compost regularly to speed up the process.

Step 4: Troubleshoot Common Issues

If your compost isn't breaking down as quickly as you'd like, it may be because:

• You're not adding enough green materials. Try adding more fruit and vegetable scraps.
• You're not adding enough brown materials. Try adding more dried leaves or cardboard.
• The compost is too dry. Add more water.
• The compost is too wet. Add more brown materials or turn it more frequently.

If your compost smells bad, it may be because:

• You're not adding enough brown materials. Try adding more dried leaves or cardboard.
• You're adding too much green material. Cut back on fruit and vegetable scraps.
• The compost is too wet. Add more brown materials or turn it more frequently.

Step 5: Harvest Your Compost

After several months of composting, your compost should be ready to use. Here's how to harvest it:

• Stop adding new materials to the compost bin or tumbler.
• Let the compost sit for two to four weeks to finish breaking down.
• Remove any large chunks or uncomposted materials.
• Use the compost in your garden or flower pots.

Composting at home is an easy and rewarding way to reduce your household waste, produce nutrient-rich soil for your garden, and contribute to a healthier environment. By following these simple steps, you can start composting today and enjoy the benefits of a more sustainable lifestyle.

Did you know that COPAR's wheat straw packaging can be composted at home along with your organic waste? Our sustainable packaging is made from locally sourced wheat straw, and when disposed of in your compost bin, it breaks down into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to nourish your plants.

If you're interested in learning more about composting and how you can incorporate COPAR's wheat straw packaging into your composting routine, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're always happy to share our knowledge and help you on your sustainability journey!

Remember to celebrate International Composting Week 2023 by sharing your composting journey on social media and encouraging others to join the composting movement.