EnviroTip 4: Composting Straight from Brasil

I recently got an email from a good friend of mine who has lived in Brasil for quite a while.  Unfortunately, there are cities all over the world, including in the United States, who still do not understand the impact a single person can have on the environment.  It isn't just about the world of nature far, far away, of course.  We're talking the nature that it is in your very own yard.  Bec has been quite frustrated with the lack of attention to this in her town, and she is starting a small movement of her own.  Besides separating cardboard from garbage for recycling (another post to come), she has begun very basic composting and through her encouragement has transformed her whole house and has talked with both neighbors and her students (she teaches English as a second language) about getting on board.

So, COMPOSTING.  It is very simple, really, and you don't even have to have a garden, although a compost garden is not as complicated as it sounds.

Basic Instructions: Separate all foods except for meats into a bucket (keep the lid on it and put it in a cupboard to keep away the smell and fruit flies), and when it gets full bury it about 8-10 inches in the ground.  Mix it with surrounding soil to allow for quicker and more efficient breakdown.  Don't bury it all in one place - rotate burying spots throughout the season.

Bec has even gone as far as burying pet droppings.  These can actually provide some nutrients to a garden, but again, don't bury a lot in one place.  It should be 6-10 inches below the ground and mixed in with the surrounding soil.  If your yard is close to a stream or a water source, bury the pet waste somewhere far, far away - 100 yards would be best - so that it doesn't get into the water.

So follow dear Bec's example and be a catalyst!

Bec herself on a hike through the New Zealand rainforest