Food waste is a growing concern around the world, and it has a significant impact on the environment. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally each year. This amounts to about 1.3 billion tons of food wasted each year. Food waste not only wastes valuable resources, but it also has environmental impacts such as contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and wasting water. In this blog post, we will explore the role of composting in reducing food waste.
How composting works
Composting works by providing an environment that encourages the natural decomposition of organic materials by microorganisms. These microorganisms break down the organic materials into nutrient-rich soil, which can be used to improve soil quality in gardens and farms.
There are different types of composting methods, including backyard composting, vermicomposting, and hot composting. Backyard composting involves creating a compost pile in your backyard with a combination of brown and green materials. Vermicomposting involves using worms to break down organic materials into compost. Hot composting involves creating a large compost pile that heats up due to the decomposition process.
Composting requirements
Composting requires a combination of carbon-rich materials, known as “browns”, such as leaves or straw, nitrogen-rich materials, known as “greens”, such as vegetable scraps or grass clippings, and water. It’s also important to turn the compost pile regularly and keep it moist to encourage the decomposition process. Additionally, it’s important to avoid adding meat, dairy, and oily or fatty foods to the compost pile, as they can attract pests and slow down the composting process.
Benefits of Composting
Environmental benefits
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of organic waste sent to landfills, where it decomposes in the absence of oxygen and produces methane gas.The gas called methane is very powerful when it comes to causing climate change through its greenhouse effect. Improving soil quality through composting reduces the need for irrigation and helps conserve water.
Economic benefits
Composting can save money for businesses and municipalities by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills, which can be costly. The nutrient-rich soil produced by composting can also be used to improve soil quality in gardens and farms, which can save money on fertiliser and other soil amendments.
Social benefits
Promotes community involvement and education on sustainability. It can also provide opportunities for job creation and local economic development, such as creating compost collection and processing facilities.
Composting at Home
Here are the basic steps for composting at home:
- Choose a compost bin: There are many types of compost bins available, such as tumblers, stationary bins, and worm bins. Choose a bin that fits your needs and space.
- Choose a location: Your compost bin should be placed in a dry, shady spot that is easily accessible. It should be close to a water source and not too close to your house or neighbours.
- Gather materials: You will require a combination of brown and green materials. Brown materials include dry leaves, straws, and shredded paper. Green materials include food scraps, grass clippings, and fresh leaves. Aim for a ratio of 2 parts brown to 1 part green.
- Add materials to the bin: Start with a layer of brown materials on the bottom of the bin, followed by a layer of green materials. Continue adding layers until the bin is full.
- Turn the compost: To speed up the composting process, turn the materials in the bin every few weeks using a pitchfork or shovel.
- Monitor moisture: For optimal compost, it should be kept moist, but avoid making it too wet. To fix dry compost, add water. If the compost is too wet, add more brown materials..
- Harvest the compost: After several months, your compost will be ready to use. Harvest the finished compost from the bottom of the bin, leaving the unfinished materials at the top to continue composting.
By following these simple steps, you can easily compost at home and reduce your food waste while creating nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
Composting on a Larger Scale
Commercial composting
Involves collecting organic waste from businesses and restaurants and processing it into nutrient-rich soil. This soil can be sold to farmers or used to improve soil quality in parks and public spaces.
Municipal composting
Collecting organic waste from households and processing it into compost that can be used by the community. This can be done through curbside compost collection programs or drop-off sites.
Industrial composting
Large-scale composting of organic waste from agricultural, industrial, or municipal sources. This can be done through aerated static pile composting, windrow composting, or in-vessel composting.
Composting Challenges
Contamination of compost
Contamination occurs when non-compostable materials such as plastic or metal are mistakenly added to the compost pile. This can be addressed by educating the community on what can and cannot be composted and implementing screening processes to remove contaminants from the compost pile.
Lack of infrastructure
Some communities may not have the necessary infrastructure or resources to support composting initiatives. This can be addressed by working with local governments and businesses to invest in composting infrastructure and education programs.
Social barriers
Composting may be seen as an inconvenience or unnecessary by some individuals or communities. This can be addressed by promoting the benefits of composting and providing education and resources to make composting more accessible and convenient.
We should all do our part to reduce food waste by composting. Its multiple benefits will help create a more sustainable future for generations to come. Composting may seem like a lot of work at first, but with the right tools and resources, it’s sure to be an easy and rewarding feat in no time. If you’re looking for more information about how to make eco-friendly choices in your day-to-day life, read our article “10 Steps for Eating Sustainably at Home” – it could be just what you need to break out of your old habits and directly impact the planet from your own kitchen
Let’s take real action and commit to making our environment a healthier and greener place.
