Who's ready to do a real-life science experiment that can benefit the whole family and our earth?
I have always wanted to integrate composting in our family's routine. Like many projects, I have started composting multiple times, but over time lost interest and put the project on the backburner. However, with self-quarantining, cooking more at home, and the itch to try another home garden, there isn't a better time to give composting a more valiant effort.
What exactly is composting?
Composting a great way to recycle yard waste and kitchen scraps into a fertile, sweet-smelling soil builder. Compost helps grow healthier gardens, lawns, trees, and shrubs that need less water, pesticides, and fertilizer too.
Here's a great video that explains the basics:
Did you know? Forty percent of food produced in the U.S. is wasted. To combat this problem, many cities and states around the US have food waste laws and encourage composting. In 2017, more than 33 bills addressing food waste were introduced in 12 states. Seattle, Washington even made it illegal to throw food and food waste in the trash.
Starting a compost bin at home - especially now - is a great way to make a science experiment real for our kids. It's hand-on, requires commitment, and creates a sense of doing something good for our home and environment.
How we made a composting bin:
We repurposed an empty Preen container because the lid is built in. We cleaned it out with soap and water. My husband drilled holes all through the container for airflow which will increase the decomposition process. We gathered dried leaves and grass clippings from our yard to put in the bottom of the container.
What should you put in your composting bin?
We added the food waste we had collected over a three-day period which included coffee grounds and filters, eggshells, carrots, and other veggies. Important note: avoid onions and garlic in your starter compost. The Better Homes and Garden video below has some great suggestions for which organic materials to add to your compost:
Composting in Colorado
Feeling overwhelmed by the process? Don't want to keep a compost pile in your backyard? It's okay! There's an EASY way to compost in Colorado thanks to a number of curbside composting services.
Here are some Colorado businesses that will pick up your food scraps in exchange for a clean composting bucket.
- Cherry Creek Recycling Drop Off - FREE - 7352 Cherry Creek S Drive, Denver
- Denver Composts Program - Denver
- Denver Compost Collective for Apartments - Denver
- Colorado Compost - west side of Denver metro area
- Lone Tree Composting - Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Lone Tree, Castle Pines
- Scraps Mile High - Denver, Wheat Ridge, Littleton, Stapleton, Edgewater
- Wompost - Aurora, Centennial, Englewood, Greenwood Village
