Ep. 49 Composting: A Natural Way to Recycle and Enrich the Soil

I am a curious person, and I constantly research topics that seem interesting to me.
One of these is composting. The truth is that I had heard something, but I didn’t know what it was in detail. That is why I decided to invite an expert on this topic to discuss what composting is in my podcast.

My guest today is John Pitroff, who founded Second Chance Composting, a compost operation in North Adams, Massachusetts.

We discuss exciting points about composting:

1. What is composting, in simple words?
2. What are the benefits of composting?
3. How long does it take for compost to break down?
4. What can we not compost?
5. How can composting help fight climate change?

Composting is a natural process that converts organic materials, such as food scraps and yard waste, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment or mulch. Composting reduces the amount of waste in landfills or incinerators, where it can emit greenhouse gases and pollute the environment.

Composting is a simple and effective way to recycle organic materials and enrich the soil. Doing it at home can reduce environmental impact, save money, and improve your garden and yard. It is also a fun and rewarding activity that can benefit your health and well-being.

Benefits of Composting

Composting has many benefits for the environment, the soil, the plants, and human health. Some of the advantages of composting are:

• It reduces waste and saves landfill space. Composting diverts organic materials from the waste stream and reduces the volume of trash that goes to landfills or incinerators. This helps conserve landfill space, lower waste collection costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
• It recycles nutrients and improves soil health. Composting returns valuable nutrients and organic matter to the soil, which improves its fertility, structure, and water-holding capacity. Composting also enhances the soil’s ability to support plant growth, resist pests and diseases, and buffer pH levels.
• It conserves water and reduces runoff. Composting helps the soil retain more moisture, which reduces the need for irrigation and watering. Composting also prevents soil erosion and runoff by breaking up compacted soil and increasing its infiltration and permeability.
• It lowers the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Composting provides a natural and sustainable source of nutrients and organic matter for the soil, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Composting also helps balance the soil’s nutrient levels and suppress weed growth, further lowering the use of chemicals.
• It supports human and animal health. Composting can improve the quality and quantity of food production by enhancing crop yields and nutritional value. Composting can also reduce the exposure to harmful chemicals and pathogens that can affect human and animal health. Composting can also create green jobs and foster community involvement and education.

Sources:
epa.gov medicalnewstoday.com epa.gov healthline.com sph.umich.edu