Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Mining "Black Gold"

Because it’s spring and because I just gave a composting workshop on Sunday, I thought I’d write a post on composting.

There are so many benefits to composting, it should be on everyone’s To Do list. It’s enough that composting helps the earth—decreases garbage, reduces use of chemicals, conserves water—and that it brings the joy and satisfaction of being close to nature.

But what about the bottom line? Shh, let me let you in on a secret—that coveted finished compost isn’t called “black gold” for nothing! Compost is a natural, virtually free soil amendment for your garden or lawn. It enhances not only the fertility of your soil, but also its water retention and texture (makes clay soils more loose and sandy soils more substantial.)

Now here’s the clincher: Most towns pay by weight to have garbage hauled away. If more people composted kitchen scraps and yard waste, municipal budgets could save hundreds of thousands of dollars. Our cities and towns need that kind of gold rush today, wouldn’t you agree?

5 comments:

  1. We've been composting the yard waste for years, but not the kitchen scraps. Your post offers excellent reasons for not delaying any longer with the kitchen scraps--thanks for the inspiration!

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  2. I started the compost bin myself after attending the workshop at Livingston Library. It definately bring joy and pride when you think of environment. There sre so many benefits of home composting food scrapes. More and more people should learn and use composting at home.
    Bina Beed

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  3. I started composting after I attended your workshop last year.Almost immediately, I saw a drastic reduction in the garbage. I think more and more people should compost.Thanks for being my inspiration. My mother in law has started doing it too.

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  4. I've been composting for a few years, our sandy soil here in FL needs it! I never realized about the cost savings to the city or town you live in, until I read an article you wrote a while back. These days most cities and towns can really use it. In fact, you've inspired me to reach out to our city council as there's talk about closing some of the local libraries due to lack of funds. This may not be something immediate that can save those branches, but it could stop future closings.

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  5. Thanks for all your comments. I think I'll start using the cost-savings argument more in town. People don't realize how much could be saved.

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