Compost is organic matter, like leaves and grass, garden waste, kitchen scraps and manure that have broken down and decomposed.

Compost can be used to help create better soils, reduce erosion, keep moisture in the soil, filter polluted water running off of streets and parking lots, reduce our dependence on foreign oil and it can help reestablish natural biological systems.

When food and yard “waste” are diverted to make compost instead of going to local landfills it extends the life of a landfill and it reduces greenhouse gases.

By composting your grass and food waste, you can create a great resource for your yard or garden. Composters can be bought at local hardware stores and make it easy to get started. They can also be built pretty inexpensively.

For active composting, it is important to make sure there is the right mix of carbon (leaves), nitrogen (food waste and grass), water and aeration. The more your turn your compost, the quicker it will decompose and the quicker it can be used.

With all of the benefits, compost is sort of the environmental miracle drug! To learn more about composting and how it can help “Get Plastic Out of Your Diet” check out www.GreenPlate.org.

– Polly Sattler