| Did you know that each person in America generates | | | | There are certain items you should never add to |
| 1300 pounds of municipal solid waste per year? | | | | your garden compost bin because they simply won't |
| Rather than letting that waste sit in landfills, consider | | | | break down. Examples include rocks, plastic, and |
| using a garden compost bin. Here are five tips for | | | | styrofoam. You should also avoid certain food |
| effective garden composting... | | | | products that may attract pests. Meat, bones, and |
| What Is Composting And Why Is It Important? | | | | dairy products are three prime examples. |
| Composting is basically a recycling process. Instead of | | | | Tip #4: Use A Tumbling Compost Bin |
| discarding most kitchen and yard waste in garbage | | | | Inexpensive, efficient, and convenient garden |
| bags (and subsequently landfills), garden compost bins | | | | compost bins are now available. They are designed to |
| process the waste into helpful fertilizer and mulch for | | | | tumble with one turn of their handle which will mix |
| your garden. | | | | the decaying matter and save your back. |
| The process of composting is simple. Home | | | | These models have easy access to add more |
| composters decompose organic matter so it can be | | | | material, along with easy twist locks that will keep |
| added back to the soil, thereby adding nutrients and | | | | out any unwelcome visitors. Best of all, they are |
| enriching the soil. Not only does it eliminate the strain | | | | unobtrusive and will easily fit in any area of your yard |
| on our landfills, it will reduce your garbage bill because | | | | or garden. |
| you will have less to throw out. As with any | | | | Tip #5: Don't Be Put Off By Composting |
| ecological or recycling process, there are certain | | | | The main reason why people shy away from garden |
| things you should and should not do. Here are five | | | | composting is their concern with smell and mess. |
| tips for effective garden composting... | | | | Don't be concerned, because new home composters |
| Tip #1: Compost "Green" Matter Rich In Nitrogen | | | | have powerful filters which keep things fragrance |
| The key to success is adding only the proper items | | | | neutral. |
| to your garden compost bin. Green items are | | | | There are several kitchen models available which |
| considered food and garden products. You should | | | | eliminate the need to go outdoors every time you |
| compost items like grass, hair, fruit, vegetables, | | | | want to add waste. Many are decorative and fit in |
| garden plants, coffee grounds, and tea bags. Each of | | | | beautifully with your kitchen decor, without anyone |
| these items are nutrient rich and decompose easily. | | | | knowing what's going on inside! |
| Tip #2: Add "Brown" Matter Rich In Carbon | | | | Summary |
| The other side of the equation are those items rich in | | | | If you haven't gotten started composting yet, the |
| carbon. Include newspapers, cardboard, cotton, | | | | process has become easier than ever. It is not only a |
| sawdust, and straw. Carbon and nitrogen rich | | | | great environmentally responsible practice, but also a |
| materials will decompose together to create an ideal | | | | money saver in the long run. New designs of |
| fertilizer or mulch. | | | | compost bins make them a convenient and even |
| Tip #3: Avoid Items That Don't Break Down | | | | attractive addition to your home or garden. |