Do you compost? Yes, I’ll admit that sounds a bit strange – but I’m a recent “convert”. I really did not know much about composting or how to even start, but I had the privilege to attend a webinar hosting by Sunchips and it has inspired me to start.
Not only am I excited about helping the environment by recycling more, but I know that this will also save me money. Here’s how:
So, what is Composting?
Composting transforms left over trash into compost, which gives valuable nutrients for growing plants. Items that can be put in a compost bin: grass clippings, garden prunings, leaves/flowers, fruit and vegetable leftovers, shredded paper, popcorn, nuts, stale bread, etc. Even the Sunchips bag can now be composted, you can check out a video of it Here.
You can put many items in your compost, just remember to keep out meat, bone, or any animal product that can cause it to smell (or attract rodents).
To make composting successful, just layer the materials like a “lasagna,” with 1 part “green” material and 3 parts “brown” material. You’ll also want to keep the compost moist, not soggy, and allow air to flow through. This will allow the decomposition process to begin as the compost heats up to higher temperatures.
How can it save you money?
In 12-14 weeks, your compost should turn to rich organic soil that can be used for a garden. If you have started gardening, you know how expensive potting soil can be, so why pay for it, when you can make it for FREE!
Looking for a cheap compost bin? Many cities provide them FREE or at least at a discount price. For example, the city of Phoenix offers bins for only $5. Not a bad price to pay to start your own compost!
How does it help the environment?
It cuts down on the amount of waste that is sent to the landfills and it helps provide nutrient rich ingredients to an organic garden. An added benefit? It also helps keep your plants healthy by improving their susceptibility to disease. This also eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers, which is just an added pollutant.
I just picked up a compost bin this weekend, so we are starting to compost. I’m excited for the nutrient rich (and FREE) organic soil that I hope it will produce –and I’ll keep you updated on our progress.
Now it’s your turn- Do you compost? Any tips or challenges that you’ve experienced? I’d love your feedback!
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Melissa Hurst, the founder of SavingCentsWithSense.net, is a married mom of three young children, so she understands the importance of stretching a family's budget to maximize savings. After working full-time in higher education for seven years, she pursued a passion of teaching both in the classroom and through her articles to help others. Her money-saving tips have been featured on Arizona Midday, and she is a regular columnist for LifetimeMoms.com and Times Publications in Arizona.
