Q & A

During my presentation at the library many in the audience seemed to be knowledgeable about composting.  A couple of concerns were raised such as attracting rodents and whether or not to put weeds in the compost bin, such as dandelions, which might be a way for these unwanted weeds to spread.  I did a little research on this and found that in a mature compost pile the high temperature will destroy pathogens and weed seed.

Presentation at Library

Announcement

On May 19th at 10:30 a.m. I will make a brief presentation about composting at the Franklin Branch of the Warren County Library, 1502 Route 57, Washington, NJ.

Composting in San Francisco

In honor of Earth Day The New York Times Magazine featured articles about ways to reduce our carbon footprint in the April 20th issue.  Ideas from local governments, individual citizens, scientists, and corporations were discussed.  An article written by Tess Taylor outlined a composting program that has been in use in San Francisco for the last ten years.  Residents pay to have their trash taken away, but their food scraps are picked up for free.  Food scraps produce methane in landfills which can be captured, but 2/3 of it is frequently lost. During composting the methane is reabsorbed and the city winds up with dirt that it can sell to farmers, golf courses, and vineyards.

Interview with a Freeholder

Yesterday morning Freeholder Rick Gardener called me in response to a letter I had sent him.  I had some questions about efforts in Warren County to promote composting and I appreciate the fact that he got back to me.  I wasn't sure if the landfill in Oxford was the only one in the county, but he confirmed that it is.  The landfill will reach capacity in 2012 and the area is triple lined to protect the land.  He also informed me that the county has Solid Waste Advisory Council (SWAC) with 31 members that studies issues and makes recommendations to the county board.

List of benefits from composting

1. Composting reduces the need for more landfills.

2. With less trash to be transported, less energy is used.

3. Composting reduces the production of methane gas in landfills.

4. You save money in your own garden because you don't need to buy as much fertilizer.

5. Compost suppresses the growth of weeds in your garden.

6. Compost adds nutrients to your garden, reducing higher yields of fruits and vegetables.  

7. Compost helps keep moisture in the soil saving on water use.

8. Compost helps to clean your soil, because it binds with contaminants.(heavy metal) This prevents them from running into the water supply.

*this list was adapted from "Living Like Ed" by Ed Beagley Jr.

Benefits

As promised here is a link that lists some of the many benefits of composting: http://epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/composting/benefits.html  I have used this website during my research and have found it very helpful.  I'm sure you will find it to be helpful as well. I have also finished my compost and plan on uploading pictures as soon as I get a chance.  

Building My Compost

Hoping to enhance my knowledge first hand on composting, I have decided to build my own compost.  Upon researching the different designs that are available I choose an aerobic design which seemed to fit my needs best.  It requires few materials and I was able to begin building with scraps that we had lying around the house.  I only began on my little project today, so it has not been completed but I have made large strides.  I have several pictures that I will upload so that one can see the early stages of the design, and I hope to upload several more pictures of the finished product when it is completed.  My new compost should allow me to better understand it's benefits and tell my readers of any problems they may encounter.  I will also post a blog to inform people about what composting is for those who are less knowledgeable on the subject.  

My Plans

This past summer I attended the National Youth Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.  This ten day long seminar dealt with leading on a community level.  This inspiration has led me to begin an independent study through my school dealing with composting.  In the early stages of this process, I have already discovered a great many benefits that can come from it.  In doing this blog, I hope to inform readers of the many advantages that can come from composting and to encourage others to start one themselves.  I have already started a poll question asking if people compost and can already see that the majority of voters do not.  Hopefully, through my research and own experience I will be able to help sway people to start their own compost, and start doing something about the environment.  I will welcome any feedback from readers on their opinions and or experience on the matter.