Following in the footsteps of our founding Sisters, the Franciscan Sisters of Mary, we have a long-standing commitment to preserving our earth and its resources and nurturing healthy communities at SSM Health. We understand that environmental damage often impacts those who are most vulnerable, including the poor, sick, and those at the margins of society. As such, we advocate for clean air and water, and neighborhoods in which it is safe to work, play and exercise — as well as limiting our direct negative environmental impact. As we celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day during this Year of Hope, let’s come together to find ways to make our environment better and create hope for a greener tomorrow.
Today, we’re focused on effective ways to compost.
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. It is one of the most powerful actions we can take to reduce our trash, address climate change, and build healthy soil. By turning our food scraps and yard trim into compost, we transform our waste streams and build healthier soil, prevent soil erosion, conserve water, and improve plant growth in your garden and yard.
Here are some simple tips on how you can start composting your kitchen and garden waste:
1) Choose a method and location: The size of your backyard should determine whether you should use a composting bin or have a garden compost pile. For smaller backyards, static or tumbling composting bins are good options. Choose an area of your yard with some shade so the material doesn’t dry out.
2) Know what to compost: There are two broad categories that you can put in your compost bin or pile – green and brown. Green materials include fruit and vegetable scraps, used tea, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, grass clippings, green plant cuttings, old flowers and many weeds. Brown materials are things like straw, paper and cardboard, dry leaves, woody prunings, and sawdust (but not from treated wood).
3) Know what to avoid: Don’t put diseased plants, pet droppings, cooking fat, glossy paper, weeds with seeds, treated timber, and large branches in your compost bin.
4) Layer the material: Whether you’re using a composting bin, or building up a garden compost pile, start with a base layer of twigs, mulch or old potting mix to encourage air circulation and provide drainage. Follow with layers of green and brown material — say, garden clippings and kitchen scraps, then leaves and wet paper. Add water after each layer to keep the pile moist but not too wet. Finish with a layer of soil or finished compost to help reduce odors. Turn or aerate the compost with a fork every week or two. Covering the compost at the top will keep in heat and moisture, which are essential for the process.
5) Distribute: The compost is ready for use when it’s a rich brown color and crumbles easily. This could take a few months, depending on the size of the bin or pile.
