As someone who values fresh, local food, I’ve also become more aware of how much food waste we generate. Instead of sending scraps to the landfill, where they produce harmful methane gases, I’ve embraced composting. Whether you compost at home or follow my lead and donate to a composting station, it’s one of the easiest and most impactful ways to reduce waste and nourish the earth.
Our local church has a community garden where volunteers grow food to donate to the local food pantry. My kitchen scraps go into compost, which enriches the soil—feeding the garden that, in turn, feeds those in need. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that my onion peels, pepper tops, banana peels, and other food scraps contribute to the growth of more produce, supporting a cause I deeply care about. Many food pantries primarily offer non-perishable items, or they receive produce that is on the verge of spoiling. These gardens help bridge that gap, providing fresh, nutritious food to people facing food insecurity.
What’s to Love About Composting?
When we compost, we transform kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. This soil, in turn, helps grow more healthy food. It’s a full-circle approach to sustainability.
The best part? It’s incredibly simple. Composting requires minimal effort but yields huge benefits for the environment. It reduces landfill waste, enriches soil without synthetic fertilizers, and helps retain moisture in gardens, reducing the need for excessive watering. Even if you don’t have a garden, your food scraps can still contribute to a healthier planet.
Composting Limitations and Concerns
- What Not to Compost: Not all waste belongs in the compost bin. Avoid dairy, meats, and oily foods, which can attract pests. Stick to fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, eggshells, and yard trimmings.
- Time & Space: If you compost at home, know that the process takes time, and you’ll need a designated spot for your compost bin. I have many friends who say it’s really easy, but it’s not an option for everyone. This is where you should consider donating your compost.
- Odor Concerns:
- Odor concerns inside my house were my biggest deterrent to starting to compost. But I found a compost bin that neutralizes the odors using activated charcoal filters. These filters absorb and trap odors, preventing unpleasant smells from spreading. Combined with a vented lid, this allows for proper airflow, reducing anaerobic decomposition that can lead to foul smells. Search for Stainless Steel Compost Bin with charcoal filter. You should be able to buy one for about $20.
- A well-maintained compost pile shouldn’t smell bad. Balancing greens (food scraps) with browns (dry leaves, paper, or cardboard) helps keep things fresh.
The Benefits of Composting
Beyond reducing landfill waste, composting offers multiple environmental benefits:
- Cuts Down on Food Waste: The USDA estimates that 30-40% of food in the U.S. goes to waste. Composting helps repurpose scraps instead of sending them to rot in landfills.
- Improves Soil Health: Compost enhances soil structure, retains moisture, and introduces beneficial microorganisms, creating a thriving ecosystem for plants.
- Reduces Greenhouse Gases: Food waste in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting mitigates this by allowing organic matter to decompose naturally.
What Action Do I Suggest?
- Start Small: If composting at home feels overwhelming, begin with a countertop compost bin to collect scraps. Many cities offer curbside composting services or drop-off sites.
- Find a Composting Station Near You: In Cincinnati, several locations accept food scraps for composting, including Crossroads Mason. You can find composting sites across the U.S. and internationally through the MakeSoil app. If you’re not in Cincinnati, search for community composting programs or local farms that accept compost donations. You should also check with your local solid waste department – they may offer free or discounted composting equipment.
- Incorporate Composting into Your Routine: Treat composting like recycling—make it a habit. Keep a compost bin in your kitchen and empty it regularly.
Just Try Composting!
Composting is one of the simplest ways to make a difference. Whether you do it yourself or donate your scraps, you’re helping to reduce waste, support healthy soil, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Start today and see how easy it is to turn food waste into something valuable!
