Composting can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.
A quick look at the best compost bins
What is a compost bin?
Compost bins are used to create nutrient-rich compost, which is a valuable soil conditioner and fertilizer.
All you have to do is fill it up and give it a few turns every 2-3 days.
A tumbling design means theres no need to mix by hand, and built-in hand holds makes turning easy.
The body is made of BPA-free UV-inhibited recycled polypropylene, and the galvanized steel frame is corrosion-resistant.
The bin can be used in a variety of climates.
Best vermicomposter:FCMP The Essential Living Composter
This vermicomposter uses natures digesters (worms!)
to help eliminate food waste and produce nutrient-rich compost for your garden and house plants.
(Learn all about it here.)
This is also a good pick for people who are skittish around worms, as it’s pretty hands-off.
Youll notice zero odors thanks to the reusable odor-neutralizing charcoal filter outfitted on the underside of the snug-fitting lid.
This is the bin that mindbodygreen’s Health & Sustainability directorEmma Loeweuses in her New York City kitchen.
“Its rounded edges mean that food and grime don’t get stuck in there.
Food is the single largest category of material sent to landfills, according to theU.S.
Composting can also reduce or eliminate the need for store-bought fertilizer.
If you’re looking for a home composter, you’ll find plenty of options available.
These electronic digesters can break down your food scraps in a matter of hours indoors.
Instead, you might try vermicomposting.
The speed and efficiency of the vermicomposting process also keeps odor to a minimuma must for any indoor system.
Know what goes in your bin.
It’s important to know whatiscompostable and whatisn’t.
Getting the carbon/nitrogen ratio right.
to carbon (“browns” such as leaves, wood chips, cardboard, etc.)
should be no more than 4:5 to 4 (food scraps) to 5 (browns).
What you want to achieve is a happy medium between too dry and too wet.
Put it in the right place.
LaChance advises against placing your pile or composter in full sun.
“Too much sun dries everything out, which will pause the composting process,” she says.
How long does composting take?
Vermicompostingis generally faster than traditional methods, generating compost in two to three months.
Want to move things along faster?
Turning your compost periodically helps with the aeration that is essential for aerobic bacteria in decomposing material.
Preventing smells and deterring pests
Unpleasant odors are a sign that something is off with your compost.
Stinkiness could be due to a lack of air, nutrient imbalance, or food scraps left exposed.
You should also avoid adding meat and oily foods to your pile, which can attractunwanted pests.
Frozen scraps won’t decompose and will remain odorless until you’re ready to compost them.
And don’t stop with compost!
Here are a few other ways tomake more sustainable food choicesat home.
