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Sustainable Living: Turn Your Kitchen Waste into Garden Compost

Writer's picture: Rica HashimotoRica Hashimoto

Hello everyone, in Auckland, the food waste collection service comes every week. Are you putting your waste out every week? Have you had any trouble with the pink bags tearing easily?


Today, I’m going to show you how to turn your kitchen waste into compost and use it in your home garden. Let’s take the first step towards a chemical-free, nature-harmonized lifestyle!


For many, living a completely organic life might be challenging. So today, as a first step, I'll introduce a simple method to compost the kitchen waste we all inevitably produce.




1. Preparing Your Compost Bin


★ Choosing the Right Compost Bin

Select a compost bin that suits your needs:

  • Outdoor Compost Bin: Larger bins for outdoor use.

  • Indoor Compost Bin: Smaller bins for indoor use.


★ Placement

Place your compost bin in a shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight to maintain proper moisture levels.




2. What to Compost

What You Can Compost

  • Vegetable and Fruit Scraps: Peels, cores, seeds, etc.

  • Coffee Grounds and Filters

  • Eggshells (crushed for faster decomposition)

  • Grass Clippings and Leaves: Pruned branches and fallen leaves.

What Not to Compost

  • Meat and Fish Bones

  • Dairy Products

  • Oils and Fats

  • Pet Waste



3. How to Compost

① Layering


  1. Base Layer: Start with small branches or shredded leaves.

  2. Green Materials: Add kitchen waste like fruit and vegetable scraps.

  3. Brown Materials: Include paper, cardboard, and dried leaves.




② Managing Moisture and Air

  • Moisture: Ensure the compost is not too wet. It should feel like a damp sponge.

  • Air: Turn the compost once a week to aerate it.



4. Composting Process and Completion



Decomposition

Typically, it takes 3-6 months for the compost to turn into rich, dark soil.

Knowing When It’s Ready

The compost should be dark and crumbly with an earthy smell.







5. Using Compost in Your Garden

Best Time to Use Compost

While I'm not too particular about the timing, it seems that spring and fall are the best times to use compost.



How to Use Compost

  1. Mixing: Blend the compost into your garden soil evenly.

  2. Top Dressing: Spread compost around the base of plants to mulch and nourish them.


By composting your kitchen waste organically, you can achieve an eco-friendly lifestyle. With simple steps, you can enrich your home garden. Start today and make a positive impact on the environment!


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