Composting

 You can reduce the amount of garbage your household produces by 15-20% or more by using a composting bin in your yard. Yard waste and kitchen scraps become rich compost for use in your lawn, garden or potted plants. Using the compost will reduce your need for fertilizer and improve your soils ability to hold water so less frequent watering is required.

The key to successful composting is including both nitrogen-rich “greens” (plant based kitchen scraps and green grass clippings) and carbon-rich “browns” (twigs, dried grass and leaves). Turn the pile weekly to speed up composition and control odors.

Links:

Watch a short video about composting
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Minnesota Office of Environmental Education
http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/ee/index.cfm

University of Minnesota Extensions
http://www.extension.umn.edu/index.html

Center for Global Environmental Education
http://www.hamline.edu/gse/cgee_site/

Composting Information
http://www.mastercomposter.com

Backyard Magic – The Composting Handbook
http://www.gnb.ca/0009/0372/0003/0001-e.asp

Compost bins available for purchase
http://www.composters.com/main.shtml