In a time where health concerns are imminent, and the world is facing turbulent times, everyone plays an essential role in conserving and preserving our only planet. One way this becomes possible is by implementing an effective and eco-friendly waste management system in residential and commercial spaces.
Moreover, a single Aussie is responsible for about 400kg of household rubbish every year ‒ where 180kg of that comprises of green waste from yard clippings and food waste. That amounts to 15.3kg of methane emissions per annum.
While that sounds small, it has a carbon dioxide equivalent of 321kg. Multiply that with Sydney’s total population of more than five (5) million and the numbers would significantly blow up.
Now that you have a vague idea about how harmful emissions from green waste are ‒ let’s talk about how you can manage your green waste and save our environment at the same time.
What is Composting?
Among the many ways to get rid of green waste, the most efficient method known to Sydneysiders is composting. It is by far the most excellent approach to eliminate green waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
However, it can sound intimidating, as people believe it is only for those with a green thumb and a sizeable yard.
Moreover, composting is an all-natural process of converting green waste into organic fertiliser through decomposition. It isn’t as hard as you believe because anyone with a small green space can effectively make use of this process.
How Compost Impacts the Environment
Green waste, as the name implies, is directly associated with compost. It is the end result of everything you’ve stored in a compost pit, including weeds, leaves, clippings, and food waste. Furthermore, these organic matter will decompose, eventually decaying into a potent fertiliser.
Fertilisers are also critical components for robust and healthy plant growth. On the other hand, widely available commercial fertilisers can introduce strong chemicals into the soil, reducing its quality in the long run.
That’s where an organic fertiliser stands out ‒ as its all-natural ingredients do more good than store-bought fertilisers.
Besides, by managing your green waste, you are doing your part in diverting rubbish from landfills. There, the biodegradable waste decomposes without the presence of oxygen, allowing for the generation of methane.
Methane production is minimised in compost pits, as oxygen is freely available. Thus, compost pits produce carbon dioxide, which traps 86 times less heat than the potent methane gas.
How to Start Composting at Home
Presuming you’re planning to start a compost at home, you’ll have to look for a spot on your yard for a compost heap. For starters, it is best to dig a small pit on the ground or have a large container.
Then, add a mixture of nitrogen-rich “green” waste, and carbon-heavy “brown” materials. Green waste includes food and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and used-up tea leaves. Brown materials tend to be dry, including sawdust, old newspaper, and clippings from dead plants.
To maintain your compost, make sure to turn and shuffle it with a shovel and let it aerate. Moreover, adding water will keep the moisture which activates the decomposition. However, keep an eye on critters and rodents, as the moist environment of a compost pit is an ideal habitat for disease-causing organisms.
If everything is well done, you can sit back and let nature do its work. After a few months, you’ll notice a significant change in the appearance of your green waste as they morph into the soil. You can then use this material as your garden fertiliser and give back to nature in your own small ways.
The compost you just made promotes water retention in soil. Hence, your budding plants will need less irrigation if its soil is combined with compost fertilisers.
Furthermore, it tends to encourage better crop yields, so you can get more out of your fruit plants with less water, which is an affordable way to grow your own food, flowers, and other plants.
Conclusion
How you manage your green waste will dictate how you take care of your environment. A simple act of ignorance and failure to take action will contribute to the increasing rate of global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, worsening the climate crisis.
Instead of throwing green waste recklessly, you can turn it into usable materials and give it back to nature in the most eco-friendly manner. With composting, you can help reduce energy consumption in rubbish removal processes, minimise air and water pollution, as well as improve the overall health and well-being of your garden.
When it comes to achieving the true beauty of your garden, you’ll need more than a handful of compost fertilisers. For your landscaping, tree pruning, and garden makeover, Trees Down Under is the only partner you’ll ever need.
You can put your trust to us in making your dream garden a reality. Call Trees Down Under now on 0475 463 597, and we’ll respond with a free quote. We are the perfect solution to your garden needs.
