by Katie LaFond

Step 4: Start Composting

• Lots of resources are available if you are interested in learning how to compost.  This is just one of many educational websites that are easily found.
• Compost tumblers can be an interesting option to explore, particularly in urban and suburban areas.
• Many towns also offer covered compost bins for purchase with the cost partially subsidized by the town.  This can help composting happen a little faster and keep critters out of your pile.  Check your town’s website to see if yours is one of them!
• If you don’t have a compost heap, bring your compost to a friend’s heap. I did this for quite a while when I lived in an apartment in the city.
  

  Photo by Joi Ito, used under a Creative Commons License

• Some places will take your compost drop off.  If you live in a city, check to see if there is a municipal composting program.
• If you want to compost your meat and oil, you have to get a little more advanced in your composting skills. Talk to your local expert if you’re interested in this.
• If bugs (e.g. fruit flies) are attracted to your compost, you can keep your bucket in the fridge
• Consider starting a worm bin.  This can be a good option if you’re in an apartment, and can double as entertainment (worms!) if your child is like mine.

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This is part five of Katie’s thirteen-part series on how to walk more lightly on the Earth.  You can read the previous posts, too: introduction, step one (recycle), step two (reuse), step three (reduce).