Planet Renu is a Zero-Waste Refill shop! We offer reusable & eco-friendly alternatives to plastic products, as well as refillable home and shower essentials! Also ask us about having an automatic refill machine for your business or apartment building.

To Compost or Not To Compost- part I

by Amy Golan
I say compost- or at the minimum, throw away your composting materials in the green bin :) If you already put your recyclables in the recycling bin, you’re on the right track. Composting organic waste can reduce garbage waste by up to 30%.
According to the EPA, there are many, many benefits to composting. It enriches the soil-helping it retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests. It also encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material. Plus it reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint. 

According to the EPA, up to 75% of solid waste is recyclable; 60% of landfill waste is organic and compostable.

The average American household generates roughly 650 pounds of compostable materials each year.

If the 21.5 million annual tons of food waste were composted, it could reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking over 2 million cars off the road.

  • Composting can reduce yard waste by 50% to 75%.

  • Composting can take as little as 10 minutes a week, on average.

  • Composting cuts down on chemical pesticide and fertilizer use.

  • Composting can reduce outdoor water expenses by up to 30%.

We use these things every day- the list below are all items thats we can compost.
  • Fruit scraps
  • Vegetable scraps
  • Coffee grounds
  • Eggshells
  • Grass and plant clippings
  • Dry leaves
  • Finely chopped wood and bark chips
  • Shredded newspaper
  • Straw
  • Sawdust from untreated wood
Composting Tip: Think twice before adding onions and garlic to your homemade compost pile. It is believed that these vegetables repel earthworms, which are a vital part of your garden.
What NOT to Compost

Not only will these items not work as well in your garden, but they can make your compost smell and attract animals and pests. Avoid these items for a successful compost pile:

  • Anything containing meat, oil, fat, or grease
  • Diseased plant materials
  • Sawdust or chips from pressure-treated wood
  • Dog or cat feces
  • Weeds that go to seed
  • Dairy products

Now that you know what to compost and what to compost- stay tuned for my next post on how to compost. 

* Great tips from Better Homes and Gardens

Leave a comment

Name .
.
Message .

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Back to Planet Blog