Composting
The good thing about this
food waste problem is that
there is a simple solution
called composting.
What is
composting?
Composting is the
natural process of
decomposition/recycling
organic materials into
rich soil. These organic
scraps (vegetable peels,
fruit waste, plant clippings,
and grass cuttings) turn
into a material called
compost. The compost is rich
in nutrients and wonderful for
house plants, gardens, and other
outdoor plants and trees. Compost
also reduces waste in landfills, reduces
the need for fertilizers and helps control soil
erosion.
How does it happen?
Composting happens naturally almost everywhere. In forests,
plants die and leaves fall from trees and form a mulch-like
layer that protects the soil. Over time, the leaves and plants
decay and decompose. These organic materials form a rich,
dark, crumbly sort of soil called compost. The nutrients are
returned to the soil, to feed trees, grass, and other plants.
This is nature's way of recycling!
During the composting process, tiny living
microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoa) break down
the organic items to produce the compost. Worms
and pill bugs also that help change organic waste into
compost.
How do you make compost?
This natural process can be replicated through
the use of composting bins that can be placed in
your own backyard. And with this composting
in a cup experiment, we'll see how it works.
What can be composted?
Some things can be composted and
some cannot. Good composting
items include egg shells, paper
egg cartons, top soil, nut
shells, paper, wood chips,
fruits and veggies, hair,
pet hair, coffee grounds,
cardboard, grass clippings,
pine needles and dryer lint.
Non-compostable items include fats,
oils, wax, meats, dairy, cat or dog poop,
metals, and plastics.
Off icialKidsMag.com • NOVEMBER 2019 • 7
