Eco-resolution 1- Composting

Our first Eco-Resolution challenge- compost.  So this week we will focus on composting.  I will offer up tips and suggestions and will do my best to answer or find the answer to any questions you may have.  If there is a topic you know a thing or two about- please let me know.  I would love to have you as guest blogger!  


Here is the schedule:
January 1-7th: Start composting
February 5-11th: Try chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, reiki, or other alternative therapy
March 4-10th: No ‘poo (shampoo) for hair
April 1-7th: Start a garden
May 6- 12th: Only natural cleaners
June 3- 9th: Cloth wipes for paper towels
July 1- 7th: No TV
August 5- 11th: Green transportation- walk, bike, carpool, bus, scooter
September 2- 9th: Local foods (say, 100 mile radius)
October 7 -13th: Hang everything to dry
November 4 -10th: Put away all plastic toys
December 2 -8th: Go outside daily for at least an hour


So compost ---->


Steven and I have composted for about seven years now.  We are lazy composters, who reap the rewards every spring, but don't do much with our pile throughout the rest of the year.  We have had a vermicompost (a hit with the neighborhood kids), and we have had a cool/hot compost pile.  Cool mostly because we don't flip the pile often.  
Why compost?
Your plants and soil will LOVE you!  There is nothing better.  Really.  I don't fertilize.  I don't need to thanks to this amazing stuff!  I love harvesting the compost every spring, because you can smell how good this stuff is.  It is the best, earthy smell ever!


To get you started-
Find a good spot in your yard.  Sunlight is good to help keep the pile warm.  Our pile actually only gets partial sunlight, but does okay.  It was the best spot out of the way for us.  


Figure out what is the easiest method for you.  Some people have boxes and move the compost in stages between the boxes.  We use wire fencing that we salvaged and just unhook it and move between to pile locations to turn it.


You can use a pitchfork or shovel to move your pile.  I find I end up using both based on the stage of the composting.  


You'll know when the compost is ready.  When you start getting rich, dark soil, it's time to harvest.  


See easy peasy. . .here are some links for more information.  


http://www.howtocompost.org/info/info_Top-10-Composting-Tips.asp


http://www.howtocompost.org/info/info_fall_leaves.asp


http://www.compost-info-guide.com/make_better_compost.htm


http://vegweb.com/composting/


http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm


http://eartheasy.com/grow_compost.html


Would love to hear your stories, or to hear any questions you might have!


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