Your compost cup is ready and the composting process is under way!
Keep the soil moist by adding water, shake it up occasionally and let the
nature do its thing for about 3 weeks.
Week 1: After about one week of decomposition, you will notice
that the layers have lessened in size.
Week 2: The soil should have compacted more. If not, make sure
the cup is getting enough sun. There should be water droplets visible
on the inside.
Make sure to keep the compost moist throughout the process.
After about 3 weeks, dump out the contents and examine the soil.
What do you see in the soil?
Can you identify any of the materials placed in the cup three weeks ago?
While composting is a great way to reduce the amount of food waste
sent to local landfills, it can only be used with organic food waste.
Composting alone will not eliminate all food waste in the United States,
however, it will help our planet by reducing methane gas emissions and
lessen the number of materials sent to landfills. Ultimately, composting
is a great way to create a healthier world while also decreasing our
carbon footprint.
Green kids, the earth is depending on you to brainstorm other ways
to help reduce landfill waste! Think about ways to "reduce, reuse, and
recycle" some of the items that end up in the trash can after a whole
day of eating and snacking, including the packaging.
Sources: foodforward.org, http://sciencemadefunkids.net/experiments;
https://www.clearwaycommunitysolar.com/blog/science-center-home-experiments-for-kids/
composting-and-food-waste-experiment/; https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/25/health/iyw-
forgotten-harvest-food-waste-trnd/index.html
Off icialKidsMag.com • NOVEMBER 2019 • 9
