Leftover guilt

I was shocked to learn in today's Wall Street Journal that Americans throw away tens of tons of food every year (almost 34 tons in 2010, according to the Environmental Protection Agency).  The article, which focuses on consumer guilt and ways to transform leftovers into something desirable, explains that food waste ends up in our landfills and incinerators.

While I agree that Americans need to become more conscientious food shoppers, I realize that avoiding food waste is not always possible.  For that reason, I would like to introduce and discuss another way that we can prevent the 33 tons of food from entering our landfills: composting!

Composting is the easiest way to turn food waste (and yard waste) into a rich, dark soil.  And it can be done by almost everyone!  If you live in a rural area, you can section off a part of your property to use as a compost pile.  If you live in an urban area, you can use a composting bin.  The Environmental Protection Agency has a great website, which provides basic information about how to start composting, including lists of what can, and can't be composted, and the laws and regulations depending on where you live.

You can also check your local government.  Many cities (like Falls Church, VA) compost leaves in the fall and provide it to citizens in the spring (one to three years later) to use as yard mulch.  Some, more progressive municipalities may already have food composing as well!

free compost mulch nourishing my tomato plants

In addition to reducing your waste footprint, one of the greatest benefits of composting is that, once your compost is mature, you can use it to fertilize your garden and grow vegetables for you and your family!