My family has just returned from an awe inspiring vacation on Catalina Island. One of the (seemingly endless) ways that the camp lessens it’s carbon footprint is by composting. Can I take a moment and make an announcement please?
I am not a farmer.
I am a housewife from Los Angeles who happens to have access to a computer and an insatiable need to leave the world a teeny bit nicer than I found it. That need does not include turning lemon rinds into bougainvillea. Travis Langen, I blame you, because today I am researching what we need to begin composting. Why? Because you presented composting to my children in such a manner that they are very excited about the process.
I find myself searching for backyard composting options in all the usual places, OSH, Home Depot and Lowes. Then I remembered that my very own site, Green Options, is the way to go. Over a year ago Jeff gave us all a DIY option about building a worm bin for composting. Yes, I love my children, no. I won’t do it. If you’re into worms though it looks like a great family project.
I am one candy-ass environmentalist, the worms are out.
Ariel writes about the ReCyclone. If ever I want to tear my house down and start from scratch, I’m fairly certain that everything we own will fit in there. I’m still shopping. Joshua reminds me that composting as part of my community will help… I’m already doing that when I use the green bin provided to me by the city.
I found a great site at CompostBins.com. Here’s the problem. What does a family of four need? I’m in the city, on a tiny parcel of land. I don’t want it to stink up the neighbor’s yard (most days) and I want my kids involved?
Tell me, how did you city dwellers begin your composting adventure? Why? Blog about it and send me a link, comment here and let me know. You see this whole business of green parenting is oftentimes led by the children. My children are leading me down a path I know nothing about.
Next Tuesday I hope to have the beginnings of a compost bin right here to show you.
You don’t need much space at all! Ours is maybe a 2’x2′ pile, which is larger than we need. My dad has done it smaller–maybe 1.5’x1.5′. You can even use a trash can if you poke air holes in it. Good for you for wanting to compost.
Here ya go, from one citydweller to another:
http://surelyyounest.blogspot.com/2008/05/composting-commences.html
http://surelyyounest.blogspot.com/2008/08/first-compost-complete.html
I have an Achla Urban Tumbler. Upside? No rat access. Downside? No access to bottom of the tumbler for removing finished compost (like a trap door). Worth the trade for me. But once you fill it up, you are done composting for awhile unless you a)have 2 tumblers or b)go worms, my friend. We’re going to start up the latter after mucho hesitation on my part. Will let you know how it goes…
and don’t worry about it stinking! assuming you’re doing it right, it shouldn’t stink at all.
I have composted…am still trying to figure out how to do it in the very strict home association neighborhood I live in. If I had more space I would go with worm composting, but I also don’t think the worms could keep us with all this family of 6 would want to feed them. As a side note, the very granola preschool I had my kids in in Oregon did worm composting in the class, and the kids loved it. We had a backyard green machine when we were in Oregon and it was VERY easy to use. The hard part was trying to vary what we put in it so that it had more than just food waste. Good Luck, I can’t wait to hear what you end up with.
First, I love how you called yourself a candy ass environmentalist! Second, good for you for even considering this. I just wrote about this and my kids digging for worms and wanting to compost! I gave you a stumble!
I love that the kids like to lead the way when it comes to going green! Today my daughter was so proud because she mastered how to get her own milk. She told me that’s “good for the earth”! We were lucky enough to inherit a compost bin from the previous owners. It’s a tall black thing but I’ve never looked at the name of it. I don’t notice any smell, but we don’t get great soil out of it. (I still use it, though!)
Have you seen the ‘cone’ composters on the website PeoplePoweredMachines? Those look great for the kids, they also have a small electric version that you can have in an apartment?? I have no idea if either work.. but we’re definitely considering getting one or other??
I think organic gardening is great. Definately helping out the environment and healthier for your family. I’ve found my Compost Bin: Compost Bin at http://www.greencompostbins.com . Definately want to try their worm composters too. I think that it would be fun for the kids and a great way to get them into sustainability at a young age.