Although composting has been known about for over 4,000 years, it isn’t something you hear much talk of. However, more and more people are becoming conscious of the environmental situation humanity is facing. They are ready to start their composting journey, undertaking a change of habit in their waste management.
We speak with Nicolás, specialist in gardening techniques and composting, director and founder of Plantáte Compost & Huerta, a project dedicated to developing and selling compost bins and planters from recycled wood. Nicolás tells us the key things about composting: its importance, the myths surrounding it, and everything you need to know to get you started.
“There is no rubbish in nature. The waste of one living thing are a food source for another: a system of natural synergies that works to perfection. Waste is a human concept, and thus, we need to take care of it” (Nicolás Estévez)
According to data published by the UN in 2020, at least 70% of the total carbon emissions are produced in cities, speeding up the natural greenhouse effect. These emissions are related to energy as well as inefficiency in waste management.
Improperly treated waste incurs huge social and environmental problems. Similarly, 50% of the rubbish generated is organic waste that can be returned to the ground as nutrients through making a simple habit: composting.
Composting is a biological process in which organic waste is broken down into fertiliser
For human beings composting is imitating the natural cycle with one difference: intentionally influencing the break down in order to get better results in less time. For example, compost can be made directly on the floor but if a compost bin is used that allows you to control the humidity of the waste that forms part of the compost, the temperature and air it out, it optimises the breaking down process.
Among many other benefits, composting contributes to the reduction of CO2 and methane emissions as well as a decrease in inorganic waste that ends up in the dump, damaging the ecosystem, is a source of infections and illnesses and, contaminating the soil and underground waters used for drinking or irrigation.
- “Compost stinks”
When the compost bin smells, it could be for numerous reasons, be it because animal remains have been dumped in, processed food, used oil or it simply could be that the compost bin has too humidity. The smell it should be making is similar to a damp forest floor or wet earth.
- “If I make compost, I am going to attract flies and bugs”
Even though the process does attract “bugs”, they are going to be acting inside the compost dump. The “white fly” is usually the main invader when it comes to humid organic waste, but if it is topped with dry leaves and then the compost bin lid, they don’t get out.
- “I don’t have enough space”
Many people believe that when you live in a building with a little balcony or terrace, you can’t make compost at home, and that’s not true. Plantáte, has one of the most compact compost bins on the market measuring just 46 x 38 x 50 cm, which is also the most selected by customers. A large compost bin is not required, seeing as the “bugs” are permanently decomposing the organic material, which means that our compost bins are never get full. The first step is to be aware of why you are composting and congratulate yourself for making a promise to the planet and having the intention of making a positive impact.
Then, you can make or buy your compost bin, and practice the “lasagna method”, which consists of placing layers of different materials over one another.
To carry this out, you need to carefully put the types of waste into two categories: dry waste (leaves, paper without ink, dry trimming, rolls of toilet paper, sawdust, ashes, etc.) and green waste (fruit peel, raw fruit and vegetables, eggshell, freshly cut grass, mate tea, coffee, tea bags, etc.)
It is important to take into account that even though practically all organics are compostable, there are elements or waste with animal origin that shouldn’t be included in the compost since other kinds of bacteria and microorganisms are present in the decomposition process that could be pathogens, as well as attracting rodents and other pests. The only animal product that can be added is eggshell. Avoid animal remains, processed foods, cooked food, oil or fat.
Taking these recommendations into consideration, the next step is activating the compost bin with a first later of dry material and a little earth, then add fresh organic material, and lastly cover it over again with dry material.
At the end of approximately 90 days in optimal conditions you will get the first solid compost, which mixed with earth and sand, can be used on a garden or plants.
As Nicolás says, “You have to live the composting experience in a conscious way. It’s an experience that you can’t deny yourself or our planet”. You can start composting at any time, without investing money, just time and dedication.
At Efecto Colibrí we ally ourselves with specialists like Nicolás in order to get to know these kinds of practices and kick start the conscious and responsible transformation of people and the environment. We also feel proud to give a voice to projects like Plantáte Compost & Huerta, a sustainable, ecological, and circular initiative that enriches the education of the population and contributes to the care of the planet on which we live and on which future generations depend.
