COMPOST DEFINED

• Why compost?
• "30% of what we throw away could instead be composted." -EPA
• By composting, we remove excess waste from landfills. When composted, the nutrients are recycled instead of wasted in landfills.
• Soil gets richer, resulting in more nutrient-dense produce.
• Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers which harm the environment.
• It’s free!


• What can be composted?
• fruits and vegetable scraps
• nut shells
• hay/straws
• sawdusts
• leaves
• crushed eggshellss
• hair/furs
• tea bags
• wood chips
• shredded cardboards
• fireplace ashes
• house plants


• What cannot be composted?
• dairy products like butter, milk, sour cream, and yogurt
• eggs
• diseased or insect ridden plants
• meat + fish bones and scraps
• yard trimmings treated with chemical pesticides
• fats, grease, lard, or oils


• How can we compost?
1. Collect compostable scraps.
2. Add scraps to an existing compost pile (or start one!).
3. Maintain the compost pile by stirring, turning, etc.
4. Once the compost has reached desired consistency + texture, use it as a natural fertilizer in a garden.


• How do we start a compost pile?
1. Clear a space outside on top of soil.
2. Build a base layer using straw or twigs.
3. Add compostable materials and turn the pile regularly.
4. Keep the compost pile moist to encourage decomposition.
5. Optional: add worms for extra fast decomposition.

-Lifelong Girl Scout