Looking for reasons to start composting at home? Let’s face it—composting results in a win/win situation for you and the environment. It is one of the best ways for us to give back to the natural world and our local communities in our everyday lives. Though getting started with composting can take a bit of effort, the long-term results are more than worth it.

Top 5 Reasons To Start Composting At Home

#1: Composting Dramatically Reduces Landfill Waste:

A recent study performed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates as much as a quarter of all landfill waste could have been composted rather than being sent to the landfill. Think about that—25 percent of all waste that goes to the landfill could instead be turned into nutrient-rich soil, if we all did our parts. This in turn helps to lower the emission of greenhouse gases, as the EPA estimates landfills are the single-largest emitter of toxic methane gases.

#2: Composting Reduces Reliance On Fertilizer:

Composting creates a new, nutrient-rich addition to the soil that greatly enhances the quality of your gardens. Adding compost to gardening soil not only boosts the production of plants, but also provides a natural alternative to fertilizers, which may or may not be the healthiest, most natural option for you to use in your gardens and yards.

#3: Composting Leads To An Improved Soil Structure:

Compost is able to stimulate the creation of soil particle clusters, which makes for a healthier overall soil structure. By adding compost to soils, we increase the air pockets and channels between these individual structures, which makes it easier for the soil to retain air, water and nutrients. As a result, the soil is better able to support plant root structures, which gives gardeners a significantly easier time as they work with the soil.

#4: Composting Leads To Less Erosion:

Adding compost to soil prevents erosion from occurring, which is extremely important considering a significant amount of the earth’s soil has lost a lot of its most important nutrients. Erosion threatens water sources, as the fertilizer- and pesticide-laden soil runs into lakes and ponds. The greater soil structure that is a byproduct of composting prevents runoff and improves water retention, making erosion less likely and less dangerous.

#5: Composting Promotes Greater Biodiversity:

Using compost in soils adds to the diversity and sustenance of many forms of life, from worms and fungi to birds and insects. The greater concentration of important nutrients makes it easier for these living things to not just survive, but thrive and multiply.

Need more reasons to get started with composting at home? Contact us today at Soil Advocates for some ideas to make composting more effective.