According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, about 30% of the waste that we throw into the household trash is food scraps. By separating those scraps out and composting them, our trash that goes to the incinerator is reduced by 30%. It’s a huge impact on the environment for little work and little cost. In addition the food scraps that are composted, can be used to nourish the soil.
Sign up for Black Earth
An easy way to get started is to sign up for the City sponsored organics collection service, Black Earth. Collect your food scraps (meat and dairy is okay) in the 13 gallon cart and set out at the curb on your regular trash day. With the use of compostable liners, the collection bin stays neat and clean. The cost is $59.99 for 6 months, with the starter kit for $38. Go to the Black Earth website to sign up.
Want to try composting at home?
Home composting can be as simple as dumping food scraps in a pile and letting bacteria and bugs go at them, or it can be as sophisticated as building layers of ‘green’ and ‘brown’ organic matter that are maintained to a precise temperature and humidity for fast decomposition. Either way, the finished compost is great for your yard and great for the environment. Here are some great resources for home composting.
Recently on Twitter