For many, the thought of composting stirs a lot of mixed feelings and intimidation. But the benefits of compost can drastically improve your home’s sustainability efforts and greatly benefit your plants, garden, or landscaping. There are several reasons to begin composting right now, so let’s explore the advantages to help you start the process.
Reduces Your Need for Harmful Fertilizers
There is an abundance of harmful chemicals in the fertilizers you use around the house. Any time you apply these to the soil, you risk exposure through the water system.
Investing only a little bit of your time into composting can reduce your need for these types of chemicals and improve the quality of your soil. Any time you decrease your toxic load, you benefit the environment and your overall health.
Gives Back to the Soil
Over time, a healthy compost will release micro and macronutrients into the soil. It kickstarts a recovery process by reducing and effectively eliminating hazardous contaminants.
Healthy soil has a strong pH and provides vital nutrients to other plants or organic matter. Compost is the fastest way to help restore the alkaline balance and repair the acidity of previously contaminated soil.
Increased Moisture Retention
Any time soil has the nutrients it needs and is appropriately balanced, and it will require less water. With enough time, your overall water usage will decrease. An optimal soil structure will have small airway passages to help increase air and moisture movement.
Additionally, composting can help the soil break down silt or clay particles and assist in reliable drainage. Any time the soil can drain adequately, this creates space for the roots to spread and enables airflow around them to support healthy growth.
Decreases Your Carbon Footprint
With reduced water consumption and healthy soil, you are helping to decrease your carbon footprint and make a difference in the environment. This is one of the best reasons to begin composting right now, because one small act can move mountains with carbon reduction efforts and improved sustainability.
Everyday consumers are also faced with the consequences of buying and selling goods which impacts their carbon footprint. Investing in compostable shipping supplies can help kickstart an at-home compost and begin aiding in reducing landfill waste, decreasing carbon footprints, and delivering nutrients back into the soil.
