Composting 101

Have you wondered how a plastic toothbrush can lie around on Earth for hundreds of years but an apple core disappears in a few weeks? This happens when we let nature do its thing, and the superheroes that make it all possible are microorganisms or microbes. Microbes are tiny living things found all around us that are so small that they can’t be seen with naked eyes. These superheroes break down all organic matter— coming directly from plants or animals, even something as tough as a bone. Read on as we walk you through the basics of composting — from selecting materials to maintaining the compost pile. Ready to get your hands dirty and make a difference? Let’s dive in!

The WHAT of composting

Composting is what gives the organic waste ‘a second life’. It is the natural process of breaking down of organic materials like food scraps, leaves, and garden waste into nutrient-rich soil — nature’s way of recycling the waste if you will. This dark, crumbly substance is called compost, and it's incredibly beneficial for plants and the environment. Do you know that because of its colour and nutrient properties, compost is also referred to as ‘black gold’?

The WHY of composting

Composting wet waste at home or in school has a range of positive impacts.

Reduces Waste: Most of our landfills are already way past their capacity. Composting is a smart solution to keep a significant amount of waste out of landfills, reduce the strain on these sites and cut down on greenhouse gas emissions, such as methane and carbon dioxide, which are responsible for climate change.

Enriches Soil: Compost is a superb soil conditioner. It adds essential nutrients that help plants grow healthier and stronger.

Saves Money: Using compost in your garden or for your home plants means you don’t need to buy expensive chemical fertilisers.

Conserves Water: Compost improves soil structure and helps it retain moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering.

 The HOW of composting

Step 1: Choose a container

You don't need a large backyard to start composting. You can use a trash can or bucket. Simply drill small holes (less than half an inch) on the side walls of the container for airflow. Secure the container with a tight-fitting lid to keep birds and pests out, and you're ready to begin composting.

Step 2: Gather greens and browns

The waste added to the container must have a good balance of the greens and browns — add two to three times more browns than greens. Greens are wet, nitrogen-rich materials, while browns are dry, carbon-rich ones. This balance prevents the compost from becoming too wet or too dry.

Pro tip: The compost should be warm and not smell bad. If your compost pile is not heating up, add more greens. If it starts to smell, add more browns.

Step 3: Introduce microbes 

Adding microbes in the beginning of the process helps break down the waste quickly and turn it into compost. And here’s the best part: all of this can be done at home easily!

To prepare the mixture, combine 10 parts water with one part jaggery (gud) and one part curd. Allow the mixture to ferment for a week and then add it to your compost.

Step 4: Aerate and water as required 

Turn the pile with a shovel every day to promote air circulation. If the mixture looks too dry, you can also sprinkle some water on it. The mixture should be moist, not soggy.

Pro tip: Cut up large pieces of waste items to quicken the process.

Step 5: Wait for the magic to happen

Composting is a gradual process that requires patience. It typically takes six to eight weeks for the compost to be ready. The finished product should look like black, crumbly soil with an earthy smell. You can mix it with the garden soil or in the potted plants to improve soil health and promote plant growth.

Once you've mastered composting, share your journey with peers, neighbours, and your school community to inspire them. Teach them about the benefits of composting and guide them through the process. Imagine the impact we could make if every home and school around us stopped sending wet waste to landfills — dramatically reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Go on and create ripples of change!