What is composting?  Most everyone has an idea of what composting is but seems to be  unaware of the ease and benefits of incorporating green practices into their every day life.  Composting is environmentally friendly as well as enriches the soil. 

Composting is the decomposing of organic materials such as yard trimmings, food scraps, and wood scraps into humus which is a soil-like end product.  It is created by combining organic wastes in proper ratios with organic bulking agents such as straw, wood chips, and leaves to allow the breakdown of organic materials quickly and efficiently.   

Decomposition is aided with the combination of micro and macro-organisms with nitrogen, carbon, moisture, and oxygen.  Combining materials high in nitrogen with materials high in carbon increases decomposition.  The pile needs moisture from rain or watering to stay damp.  Frequent mixing or turning the pile provides oxygen which speeds up the decomposition.  This process allows the return of nutrients, bacteria, and organic matter back into the soil thus providing nutrients to help plants grow. 

The decomposing of organic waste in landfills produces Methane gas, a greenhouse gas, which can contribute to global climate change.  Home composting saves space in landfills and reduces the amount of methane production.  There are a number of environmentally friendly products to help us reduce our carbon footprint.