Composting is a process of creating organic fertilizer from waste ingredients you can find inside and outside of your home. Most homeowners throw away helpful organic wastes like lawn clippings, leaves, fruit rinds, and vegetable peelings. A good compost bin will enable you to turn waste into helpful and nutritious food for your garden and lawn. Composting bins come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and materials. Smaller bins are typically more attractive in appearance and designed to fit into your kitchen. Larger bins are more utility-like in appearance and designed to fit in well with other outdoor items and structures on your property. The internet if full of resourceful information and tutorials that teach homeowners easy and inexpensive ways to compost including how to make a compost bin from scratch at home.
Recycling kitchen waste in a kitchen compost bin is very simple. Once you have purchased the bin of your choice, you should situate it in a warm area that has plenty of air circulation. The ideal temperature for composting is 140 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Compost bins should be well insulated but with enough of air vents so air can freely flow in and out of the bin. Airflow prevents your bin from getting too stinky. The right conditions in a bin and a good mix of ingredients is all it takes to create a good composting atmosphere. Most store bought bins will come with instructions that work best for its specific build. The use of a bin helps the process move faster and it is much more attractive than having a bid compost pile in your back yard.
When deciding which composting bin to purchase, keep in mind that you really can’t go wrong with any size, style, or materials you choose. The function of a bin is way more important than its appearance unless you plan to use a bin within your home. There are many to choose from and if you choose to make your own, you can pick specific materials that work better for the utility and appearance of your bin. Using a compost bin as part of your daily life will reduce the waste your family creates drastically and it also helps our planet. If the smell bothers you and your family, move the bin outside in an area where it will be safe from animals and bugs. You should also keep the bin away from where small children can gain access to it. If you do have small children, you may want to invest in a bin that contains a heavy or latching lid. Composting is a simple, green home improvement idea for your lawn and garden.
Photo by: London Permaculture
http://www.flickr.com/photos/naturewise/
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