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Composting provides a number of benefits for homeowners and apartment dwellers alike. For instance, composting helps reduce the environmental impact of waste while also cutting down waste management costs. In addition, compost is extremely beneficial to all plant life, helping suppress disease and stimulate growth. That way, you can support the environment while saving some money! 

So how can you get started? Below we will break down key components to consider to get your compost system started.

The benefits of composting

When organic materials such as food scraps and yard waste are sent to landfills, they stagnate and struggle to decompose while releasing methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Composting diverts these materials from landfills, therefore reducing the amount of methane released into the atmosphere. Also, when compost is added to soil, it can improve soil health, which in turn can help to sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Think of it as a deposit in a bank, the more money you put in your account, the more you make in interest. In your garden or lawn, the more compost in your soil, the more carbon you can sequester from the environment. This can have a long-term benefit of reducing the amount of carbon in the atmosphere and mitigating the effects of climate change.

By composting food scraps and yard clippings, you reduce the amount of waste you dispose of, meaning time and money saved taking out the trash! Additionally, indoor composting can help to keep unpleasant odors at bay, deterring unwanted pests in the process. This is especially beneficial for those who live in apartments with limited space.

How does composting work & how can I get started

If you’re interested in composting, there are a few things you’ll need to know to get started. First, you’ll need to gather materials to compost. These can include food scraps, yard waste, and other organic materials. You’ll also need to decide whether you want to create a compost pile or heap, or use an indoor compost bin or worm box.

If you want to create a compost pile or heap, you’ll need to choose a location for it that gets adequate sunlight and is near a water source (balconies work great!). You’ll also need to layer your materials in the pile or heap, and turn the pile or heap regularly to ensure proper aeration and moisture. A full guide to creating a compost heap can be found here.

If you don’t have space to create a compost pile or heap or don’t want to deal with the effort, an indoor worm box can be a good alternative. They are smaller, compact and easy to manage. The worms in the box will turn the material for you and break down the food scraps into nutrient-rich vermicompost, which can be used to fertilize your plants.

Residential compost service providers

For those who are not interested in the hands-on nature of indoor or outdoor composting or don’t have the time, another option is to use a residential compost service like ours! Service providers take care of all the hard work for you. They will collect your food scraps and other organic materials, compost it, and return the finished compost back to you for use in your garden. This is a fast and easy way to enjoy the benefits of composting without having to do the work yourself.

Get started today!

With Winter in full swing, now is a great time to start composting indoors. At Bootstrap, we offer a variety of products and services designed to simplify the composting process. Our compost services are perfect for those with limited space or resources. Residential subscribers receive a 5-gallon bucket to fill with unwanted food scraps, leftovers or organic material. Then, we come pick up your waste and process it for you!  Additionally, we’ll deliver shares of our premium soil amendment per year, upon request. 

*We are currently offering 20% off residential services! Find out how you can save.* 

For those who’d rather do it themselves, we offer worm boxes stocked with around 100 red wigglers, worm food, castings and bedding. All you need to do is choose a bin location, periodically feed your worms, and wait for them to begin digesting.

To see all of our offerings, checkout our shop!