When we look at the sources of greenhouse gases, it can be easy to forget that food waste is estimated to be responsible for up to 10% of emissions. This food that gets produced, but not eaten, often then makes its way to landfill. Where funnily enough, that lettuce that started to wilt so quickly in your own fridge can take up to a quarter of a century to fully decompose amongst the other waste. Over those 25 years, that single head of lettuce is also contributing to methane production.
What if we gave that lettuce a different destination?
You could’ve put it straight into a Veggie Saver bag when you got home. Staying crisper and fresher for longer it would’ve been more likely to make it to your dinner plate and not the bin.
But what if you didn’t have a storage option that kept your fruit and veg fresher for longer?
Time to try composting.
Composting Benefits
Apart from the advantages to the environment when you reduce waste, one of the greatest reasons to compost is the garden. It LOVES compost. Plants benefit from the injection of nourishment. Helpful bugs love the nutrient-rich soil. The compost can even help your plants become more resistant to pests, fungus and disease. Plus, better soil means improved water retention. Reduced water consumption is always a win.
Types of Compost Bins
- Standing Compost Bins – These are great for families and beginners. There’s flexibility to choose the size that best suits your garden. All you have to do is regularly add your compost-friendly material, balancing between wet and dry materials so it’s not a mushy mess. Many are now made from recycled or sustainable materials.
- Tumbling Compost Bins – Similar to the standing units when it comes to easy use, rotating bins allow you to speed up your composting. Turning the unit increases the air flow and helps the material break down faster.
- Worm Compost – If a turning bin seems like too much effort, put the worms to work! These wriggly offsiders will love even your slimiest scraps and leave you with healthy compost for the garden.
- In-Ground Compost Bins – These are great if you aren’t confident in sourcing and handling worms yourself. Place the special container lined with holes in the ground, pop in your compost-friendly leftovers, replace the lid and let the worms find their own way there. Composters who are a bit wary of outdoor odours also love this option.
If you live in an apartment, or have a small garden – you don’t have to miss out. There’s bench-top electric composters and digesters that start breaking down food waste to reduce methane emissions in landfill.
What to Compost
Not all compost is created equal. Food waste such as meat/seafood scraps, dairy, onion and garlic should be avoided. Grass clippings and small branches are great, but be careful not to add in weeds or diseased plants into your compost bin. These will introduce seeds and problems back into the soil.
Let-Us Get Started
Now you’ve got a plan. Instead of throwing that soggy lettuce out and adding an unpleasant odour to the kitchen, you can take it straight to the compost. The worms and garden will be grateful! With the compost you’ve made you can even start your very own organic veggie patch.
Once you are growing your own produce, you can tuck them into your Veggie Saver bag. Keeping them fresher for longer and reducing food waste even further. Don’t forget that at the end of its life, your Veggie Saver bag is made from non-toxic, natural materials and makes a great addition to your compost too!
