Calgary is finally getting around to organizing curbside recycling pickup, but unlike Edmonton, will not be picking up compostable waste. The argument is that it is much better environmentally to have people compost in their own homes or backyards than to spend the energy and emissions trucking it around the city. Yes, it is, I just hope people actually do it.
One reason why people don't is because it sounds complicated. There are recipes out there about what ratios of dry and wet (browns and greens) you should have. Yes, these recipes work if you want to make compost fast. If you don't care about speed, all you really need is a place to make a pile. That's it. You don't even need a bin. Just throw organic kitchen waste, leaves, coffee grounds, egg shells and even dryer lint on your pile. If you're willing to do a tiny amount of extra work, keeping it moist (about as wet as a wrung-out sponge) and turning it once in a while will really speed up the process.
If you're in an apartment, vermicomposting is a great way to go - you can make compost for your houseplants or to share with friends. There is more information posted on this Calgary company's site.
I have recently read about comfrey for compost. Is confrey considered an invasive plant in the Calgary region or is it a good idea for adding longterm to the compost?
Posted by: Maureen Flynn-Burhoe | June 12, 2009 at 04:38 PM