3 Ways to Compost for Beginners
Let’s talk about composting! Living in Orange County, San Diego, and now San Francisco, I’ve learned about different composting methods and that where you live and your lifestyle plays a big part in finding what works best for you. That’s why I wanted to talk about 3 different ways to start composting for beginners!
YouTube Video: 3 Ways to Start Composting for Beginners
Method #1: Curbside Composting
This is what I’m currently doing in San Francisco and it’s hands down the easiest composting method. I simply collect my compostable items in a compost bin (I use the bin by Bambooleware that I ordered from Good Intent) and add it to the big compost bin downstairs of my apartment building.
Not all areas have curbside composting but if your area does, definitely participate and compost what you have!
Method #2: Community Gardens
If your area does not have curbside composting, check to see if there’s a community garden nearby. Community gardens are another fairly easy way to compost. Simply collect your compostables in a compost bin or a container that you have and take them to a community garden. Once you give them your scraps they do all the rest. They take care of the composting and use that beautiful compost as fertilizer for their garden!
You can google, “Community garden near me” to see if this is something that is available in your area.
Method #3: Worm Bin Composting
Both curbside composting and community gardens are dependent on where you live. If those are not feasible for you, consider worm bin composting! You can either order a worm bin online or make one DIY style. When I lived in San Diego, I tried out worm bin composting and my friend Krissy helped me make a DIY work bin. It’s a fairly simple process and we made a YouTube video with how to construct the worm bin, how to care for your worms, and how to harvest the fertilizer.
YouTube Video: Worm Composting for Beginners│DIY worm compost bin + worm composting tips
Worm bin composting is not for everyone - it definitely was not for me! Not only do worms creep me out but also, I had a ton of veggie and fruit scraps that I had to freeze so I didn’t overfeed them. I also did not have a garden or plants to use the fertilizer that was created, at that time. Krissy gave her fertilizer to friends with a garden which is a great option to keep in mind if you’re interested in worm composting but don’t have a garden. Overall, it did not work the best with my lifestyle, and if this doesn’t sound like something you’re excited about either that’s okay, I have a bonus option for you!
Bonus Method #4: Reduce Food Waste
Composting diverts waste from a landfill, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and provides valuable nutrients back into mama earth. But if you’re not into worms and you don’t have curbside composting or a community garden in your area - no worries - consider working on reducing your food waste!
Just because you don't compost, doesn't mean you can't make a difference by working on reducing your food waste. To me, when you reduce your food waste you still divert that waste from the landfill, reduce greenhouse gasses, and are absolutely making a difference.
When I lived in Orange County, I didn’t compost and instead focused on reducing my food waste. Here are a few of my favorite tips for reducing food waste:
Plan ahead: Try to plan out your meals for the week and make a list of what you need. Having a plan and buying only what you need helps to make sure everything will get used before it goes bad.
Freeze fruits and veggies: As nice as it sounds to plan perfectly, we are perfectly imperfect humans, and sometimes that just doesn’t happen. I’ve been there when I’m super hungry shopping and buy a bunch of stuff without a plan or see some things that are a good deal and can’t pass it up. It totally happens and that’s okay! Of course, try to use it before it goes bad but if you have some fruits and veggies that you know you won’t be able to consume before they go bad, freeze them and use them later.
Save the scraps: Get creative and save your food scraps! You can freeze veggie scraps to make a veggie broth or I have even saved my oat pulp to use in granola. Get creative with what you can do with your scraps!
Instagram Video: How to Make Oat Pulp Granola
We love composts queens and food waste reducing warriors! If you decide to do one of these compost methods or have a fun way to reduce your food waste, be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can share with others!