Did you ever ask yourself the question, “What’s the big deal about compost making?” Well, every year millions of tons of solid waste makes it way into landfills. A good part of this waste is food scraps, organic material, yard trimmings, and paper and paper board products.

In fact over 2/3 of this waste is actually compostable. Composting at home is an excellent way to reduce the demand on landfills, and it is a great way to go green. Here are some additional benefits.

The first reason compost making is a good idea is that compost is a great soil amendment. There is nothing better at helping to regenerate poor soils. The composting process encourages the production of beneficial micro-organisms, which in turn break down organic matter to create humus. Humus is a rich, organic material that increases the nutrient content of soil and helps soil retain moisture. There is also the natural benefit of the suppression of pests and plant diseases through its use.

The second reason that composting is a good idea is that compost attracts earthworms. Earthworms are nature’s super composters. As earthworms burrow through the soil they not only aerate the soil, but they leave behind some of the most nutrient rich compost on the planet! Earthworms contribute significantly to the overall structure of the soil and enhance soil heath.

The third reason it is a good idea is that it helps conserve water. The addition of composted organic material to the soil improves the soil’s water retention capacity and penetration of soil, thereby reducing erosion and run-off, ultimately conserving water.

The fourth reason it makes sense is that composting prevents pollution. Composting organic materials keeps the organic waste out of landfills, which helps reduce the production of methane gas and leachate formation. It also has the ability to prevent polluted storm water runoff from reaching surface water resources.

The fifth reason it is a good idea is that composting offers economic benefits. The use of composted organic material reduces your dependence on commercial fertilizers and pesticides as well as reducing the need for water. Compost also serves as a marketable commodity and is a low-cost alternative to standard landfill cover and artificial soil amendments. Finally, composting at home diverts organic materials from landfills, thereby increasing their longevity.

We hope we have provided some reasonable answers as to why compost making at home is a great way to go green. Since a good part of our daily garbage is organic waste, composting is something that we can all do to help protect the environment. Why not start do your part to help the environment today!