Garbage is not something we talk or think about as constructive conversation. For a number of years not much thinking went into the impact of the amount of waste that was introduced into landfills. Everyone assumed that once the garbage was picked up from the curb it just disappeared and that was the end of the story. Until finally we began to pay attention. The realization that the landfills are becoming full and over time there will be no space left to put our garbage became a reality.
A genuine concern for the amount of methane gas that was being produced into the environment and this risk had our attention. As people migrated from the urban areas to find more affordable housing in rural areas, builders and commercial businesses were forced to find land to build homes and also, they needed space to create a safe environment for people to dwell and also for work.
We became aware that those landfills occupied areas that will be needed for the future and for our own habitation. It was then we began to study the impact of garbage on the environment and began to take steps for the environment’s protection and preservation realizing that to continue in this way was destructive and very unhealthy.
An unhealthy environment could be a real problem for anyone living in close proximity where these gasses can cause serious health issues and other concerns. Our future depended on ways of conservation. Ideas of recycling and the reduction of waste materials became noticeable, and we began to think of how we can eliminate the excess waste that we are producing and become more responsible citizens in the conservation of our space and our environment.
Not only are we to take some responsibility for our actions but companies that keep producing containers that can’t be recycled or are not biodegradable share in this obligation to keep the planet safe for the next generation in order to reduce the amount of waste that is sent to the landfills.
Participation Helps to Preserve the Environment
In our Province necessary steps have been being taken to encourage labelling rules on plastic products to be shown as composable, degradable or biodegradable. They have also introduced a recycling program and a compost program. This encourages less garbage going into our landfills. Plastic, some metal and cardboard or paper products that can be recycled these are placed into a bin and collected. A separate bin is used to gather waste food and that will be turned into a compost material. Yard waste is also collected into paper bags, and this is helping our environment to be more conscious of recycling.
We have seen the dangers associated with waste that gets decarded into oceans, lakes and our rivers. It has contaminated our water which in turn affects all kinds of marine life and also causes litter affecting the environment and eventually wildlife. It is difficult to imagine life without the marine environment or even our natural habitat gone. It is essential that we participate.
What is involved in composting
Composting is made up of the natural decomposition of food. Items used are generally organic materials some of which are discarded food like banana peel, eggs shells, leaves, grounded coffee to produce a rich soil known as compost. It can involve the use of earthworms and other bacteria to interact with each other and the end product is a natural soil used for gardening and adding a boost to the production and quality of food.
Methods of Composting
Aerobic Composting Involves the use of air to breakdown micro-organisms to form compost. The key component in this method involves the use of oxygen and air flow in order to allow the decomposed matter to form effectively. This conversion requires care in making sure the pile is rotated, and proper aeration is maintained.
Vermicomposting This method uses earthworms, and if you are not a fan of handling worms then you may want to try another method. The worms feed on the organic matter and produce waste called casings. This waste material produces a rich organic fertilizer and enhances the growth and production of foods grown.
Anaerobic Composting There is no oxygen involved in this method. It is a slower method to compost and will need to be properly managed. Compost material is placed in a sealed container or buried. This method can produce methane gas, and other byproducts contributing to a foul smell like that of a rotten egg which is because of the presence of hydrogen sulfide.
Bokashi Composing A method of composing originally from Japan and involves the uses of fermentation of scraps. They are buried and left to continue the breakdown process before it can be used. The advantage in this method is it prevents the rotting of food which is usually a main contributor of smells. This method can be effective for small space gardens.
The Bokashi method vs Aerobic Composting
Deciding which method to use in your own space is entirely up to you. The Bokashi is quicker and does not involve the issues with the smell of deteriorating matter. It introduces a fermentation scent instead which eventually gets buried and allowed to continue to break down its organic matter into compost. The tradition method uses oxygen and other micro-organisms to help in this process and creates the smell that many would prefer not to engage in or even have close to their homes.
Bokashi Method
For this method you will need to purchase the bokashi bran which can be bought either through Amazon or other retailers online. It is usually consist of a wheat or rice bran which as been formulated with microorganisms required for the fermentation process to occur. The advantage in using this method is the limited restriction with the type of food that can be composed like dairy and meats. There is some consideration that must be adhered. Foods that are already exhibiting mold cannot be used or there is the risk that the mold will destroy the entire batch.
- Purchase containers that are airtight and suitable to begin the process. Making sure that one container has holes for drainage. The fluid collected from the decomposing foods will accumulate and is known as bokashi tea.
- Cut the scraps of food into small pieces and place in the airtight container layering the scraps with the bokashi bran alternatively. Press to remove any air which may accumulated as the layering process takes place. Continue to layer the food with the bokashi brand removing the air until the container is full.
- Seal the container with parchment paper. Then cover with an airtight lid.
- The container with the food will sit into the one with the holes and allowed to drain.
- Leave in the airtight container for at least two weeks to see if the fermentation process is taking place. You will notice this by the smell and also begin to see the breakdown of the food process.
- The bokashi tea (liquid ) should have begun and can be collected and used as an excellent natural fertilizer.
- If the fermentation is not completed continue with the process and will be completed after four weeks.
- After this period, it is now ready for the final stage which involves digging a trench and placing the organic material in the ground where it will continue to blend in with the soil and complete the process turning into a natural organic soil ready to be used in the garden.
Advantages of the Bokashi Method
The advantages with this method are the process is airtight using fermentation and other microorganisms and the cycle is completed underground. The traditional method uses oxygen to help to help with the decomposition from which smells are created leading to the attraction of unwanted animals in the garden. The aerobic method needs special care with moisture content and rotation which I think is more demanding and will require more time.
What I like about the bokashi method is its ability to function independently once the right conditions are maintained. I find it to be more manageable, uncomplicated and a quicker method of disposing scrap foods. Overall, it functions in a positive way making it easier for us to avoid adding more waste to landfills.
Another advantage is for those living in small spaces this can definitely work and allow the homeowner to use this method on deck or balconies and place in garden beds or even containers to complete the process.
Disadvantage
The disadvantage is it may cost you a bit more to purchase the containers and also the bokashi bran or you may want to be more adventurous by making your own. Another disadvantage is the additional step required because it has to be buried and left to complete the cycle. Overall, the process is a good method in avoiding unwanted animals. It can be effective for small spaces. The Bokashi tea generated makes a great organic fertilizer for the garden.
Aerobic Composting
This method of composting may be more familiar than the Bokashi method and may seem easier than the bokashi method. Food scraps are placed into specialized bins which eventually gets decomposed by using oxygen and other microorganisms to convert this material into a rich organic soil for the growth of plants.
Aerobic composting relies on the temperature, moisture and the use of carbon dioxide and oxygen to breakdown this material so it becomes suitable to be used in the soil. For this type of composting avoid foods like dairy and meats. Suitable for this composting are foods like fruits, vegetables, rice, pasta, nuts, tea bags, baked products, coffee grounds, grass clipping, branches and grains. I have found newspaper to be effective in reducing the odour when added to the bins.
- Create a space suitable to be used.
- Begin by adding scraps to the pile (small pieces will breakdown faster ).
- Introduce grass clippings, branches and leaves to enhance nitrogen content.
- Adding brown paper helps with carbon content and reduces the smell.
- The pile needs to have proper air flow and by layering branches this will help.
- Maintaining good moisture is necessary.
- If the pile is too dry, then moisture will need to be added not drenched but enough to continue the decomposition process.
- Turn the pile at least once every week and check to make sure it is being decomposed.
- The indication of a smell and a warm temperature will determine that the process is working.
- After two months you will notice that the decomposed scraps have become suitable to be blended with your garden soil.
Advantages of Aerobic Composting
Although this type of composting is more time consuming and more effort is required, the advantage is it is cheaper to produce. It does not require any additional store-bought product for the fermentation. Food is discarded the normal way and over a period of time, the end product is a rich organic soil filled with nutrients which adds nutrition to the soil and is far superior in its quality compared with buying regular dirt for the garden. It is healthier and avoids the use of chemicals or pesticides that are harmful to us and the environment. By participating in this type of gardening you are helping to reduce the amount of garbage that is being collected in landfills. It is also a method of improving the soil structure by reintroducing nutrients which can become depleted by over farming and the use of chemicals. Composing sets a standard for the next generation to improve sustainable gardening and preservation.
Disadvantage
Aerobic composting is time consuming and requires some dedication. It relies on oxygen and the use of carbon dioxide along with other microorganisms to function in this process. A steady warm temperature is important to continue decomposition of the pile. Airflow is required and will need to be turned over at least once a week. It is impossible to totally remove the smell of decomposing food, and the scent is something that is a part of the process. This can become an attraction of unwanted animals sensitive to this smell. It is a process that can take two months to be completed provided that the correct steps are being taken. These are considerations that must be thought carefully before engaging in this process.
Purchase a Bin for Composting
There are many other ways of composting besides using the suggested methods. Compost bins can be bought in various sizes from many retailers. Companies like Amazon and others online have many selections for your home use both indoor and for outdoor use. A careful research is good and take note of the reviews done to see which ones are suitable for your needs.
Look for those that have lock features to keep animals out. Having additional features like a mesh will help to keep unwanted rodents that can find easy access to get in. A good airflow is also important for the decomposition process to occur. It has to be durable and not easy to crack especially in a cold climate. It should be fastened and secured so the wind will not move it elsewhere and secure enough to prevent rain or snow from getting in.
Other varieties of compost bins include tumblers which rotate easily. They allow for the compost to be added on a continuous basis and what is great about these bins are the compartment which separates the new foods from the ones being processed. The finished product is separated and can be collected easily from the bin. The stand also acts as a deterrent for animals which are attracted to the smell of food.
The Compost Advantage
For those who have never tried this method it may seem insignificant. Looking at the advantages one important factor is the improvement of the soil structure. The biblical prospective of farming was we were supposed to rest the land after seven years. This would allow the nutrients to be reestablished. Many farmers have not practiced this method and even in our own back yards gardens we seldom adhere to this. By adding compost to the soil, the nutrients are being reintroduced into the soil producing and improving its structure. Digging the soil is not healthy and disrupts the naturally occurring layers of nutrients and also destroys the work that is done by earthworms. Plants grown in compost soil are generally much healthier and can produce more vigorous produce and crop yields. It eliminates the need to use chemicals and helps to improve the atmosphere and improves the environment.
The environment
We may not be able to see the impact we are making on the environment today. The future will tell us if we have managed to keep our planet from becoming sustainable by conservation and by removing our carbon footprint. If we have managed to reduce the amount of garbage to landfills, then we are doing our part to help with preservation. By continuing to practice some of these simple steps this will allow for generations to follow in our footsteps, and this sets a clear example for its continuation.