<h5>What is compost, and what is composting?</h5>  <p>Compost is organic material that is added to soil to help plants grow. Composting is the process through which we prepare compost. This is done by creating an ideal environment for food, plant and organic waste to decompose. Over time, the decomposed material turns into a fertiliser that is rich in nutrients. This fertiliser is often called ‘black gold’ by farmers. </p> <h5>What are the benefits of composting?</h5>  <p>Waste management facilities usually bury organic waste deep into the Earth so it decomposes with time. This is known as a landfill. However, in some cases, this process may produce a greenhouse gas called methane. Although modern landfills have methane capturing systems, they are not 100% effective, and landfills continue to be a significant source of methane emissions. 
Composting is an excellent way to recycle organic waste. This is especially important since most of the waste we generate at home is kitchen and garden waste. Although this waste can easily be thrown away, it is best that we recycle it ourselves. </p>
<p>Adding compost to soil improves its health and lessens soil erosion. It acts as a sponge that helps water to infiltrate the ground, increasing groundwater levels and keeping farmlands fertile.
</p> <h5>Is it possible to compost at home?</h5>  <p>Yes. Composting can be done at home easily. To compost at home, it is necessary to have a composting bin. You can purchase one from your local market easily. The first step is to keep adding greens (food waste, grass, coffee, etc.) and browns (dead leaves, branches, papers, etc.) to the bin. All these materials must be shredded properly to form compost. While the greens produce a gas called nitrogen, the browns produce carbon. </p>
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<p>Keep adding greens and browns to the composting bin in equal quantities. Alternating layers of both is best for producing quality compost. Moisten the whole mixture by adding water. As you add more and more waste to the bin, be sure to turn or mix the bin. </p>
<p>The whole process of making compost can take a few months depending on what materials were added to the composting bin and how many times the mixture was turned. The mixture is ready when it becomes dark brown and crumbly, smelling like soil instead of rotting vegetables.
</p> <h5>Can I put everything in my composting bin?</h5>  <p>No. We must be cautious of what we can put into our composting bin. We can easily put waste from your garden (leaves, grass, weeds, sticks, etc.), fruits and vegetable peels, eggshells, tea bags, paper or cardboard boxes and even fur. </p>
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<p>Other things such as coal, dairy products, diseased or infected plants or plants with chemical pesticides, meat or fish bones and pet waste (such as faeces) should not be put in the composting bin. </p>
<p>Composting ensures we do not put an unnecessary burden on the environment (to naturally decompose our waste) or on waste management facilities. In the process, we end up making something useful for our gardens and the environment!
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Did you know that your kitchen waste can be turned into food for the plants? Keep on reading to find out how to make fertiliser at home!

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