HOW TO GET STARTED

GETTING STARTED

Does this all sound daunting? That’s ok! Everyone’s actions make a difference, and it’s probably easier than you think!

First, download our list of Everyday Items to Compost here. Tack it on your fridge, and you’re halfway there.

Next, have a look at some basic methods below, plus a few of our favorite resources for more information. And don’t forget to keep tabs on The Green Life section of our site. We’ll be sharing how-to articles, lifestyle tips, green DIY, book round ups, environmental news, and much more.

THE NEWBIE

Let’s say you just moved to a new house with a backyard garden or attractive landscaping. You’d like to keep it alive but how?! Simple.

Gather your food waste in a handy compost pail or trash can-don’t forget the Commit to Green compostable liners!

Take a trowel and dig little holes around your garden plants or landscape shrubs.

Toss in some kitchen scraps and loosely cover the hole with plenty of soil.

In a week or so, you probably won’t even be able to find the holes and your plants will be well on their way to enjoying all those great nutrients.

THE WEEKENDER

You’ve got a lawn, a garden, maybe some trees that shed leaves. At this point, you’re ready to commit to a compost pile. Congrats!

If you worry about neighbors disliking the sight or smell (this can be avoided with some trial and error) of a compost pile, choose a closed bin. These should be easy to find at your local hardware or gardening store. We recommend choosing one that’s about three feet wide and easy to reach inside.

Even with a closed lid, you’ll probably want to surround the bin with some chicken wire or fencing material to keep local wildlife-including the neighbor’s dog-from getting into your compost pile.

As you accumulate scraps, turn the mixture over once a week, say, every Saturday. A garden fork is ideal for this since it really mixes things up. "Green" material (grass clippings) will help a “sluggish” pile move along. Additionally, make sure you're keeping the pile moist.

On the flip side, a smelly, wet compost pile needs more "brown" material (branches, leaves). Be sure to break large branches into pieces, and turn the pile twice a week.

THE URBANITE

Ok, so worms aren’t your thing. No judgments. You can still compost like a champ, even in a small apartment.

Your biggest concern is probably stink, right? Not to worry. Did you know you can store compost in your freezer? Just grab a Commit to Green trash liner-we suggest the 3 gallon size and toss your compostable scraps into it. Keep the bag in the freezer until it’s full and then drop it off at your local compost facility. The chill will prevent the decomposition process until the bag is out of your hands.

The other method is a countertop compost pail. The sleek, stainless steel pots are available from numerous home & garden retailers. Line your pot with one of our cute liners, toss in your scraps, seal the lid, and drop off at your local compost facility.

Here at Commit to Green, we believe that change starts with a single bag. Fill your bag up with compost today!