The power of composting
When it comes to protecting our planet’s future, small actions can lead to big impacts. Composting is one of these simple, powerful acts that not only reduces waste but also helps build a sustainable cycle of life for our soils and ecosystems. Every banana peel, coffee ground, and vegetable scrap that might otherwise end up in a landfill can be transformed into nutrient-rich compost that rejuvenates the soil, helping sustain life for generations to come.
Why composting matters
Enriches soil naturally
Our soils are more than just “dirt” – they are the foundation of life on Earth, responsible for growing 95% of our food, housing billions of organisms, absorbing rainwater, and even storing carbon to help fight climate change. Remarkably, soils hold three times more carbon than the atmosphere. However, they are a finite resource and are rapidly being depleted through intensive farming, contamination, and erosion. Each centimetre of topsoil can take up to 1,000 years to form, yet in the UK alone, nearly 3 million tonnes of this precious layer are lost annually.
Compost adds organic matter back to the soil, enhancing its texture and water-retention abilities. This helps plants grow stronger and healthier, making them more resilient to disease and drought.
Reduces waste and saves landfill space
Organic waste makes up about 30% of what we throw away. When food waste decomposes in a landfill, it produces methane – a potent greenhouse gas 25 times more impactful than CO₂ over a 100-year period. Composting diverts this waste from landfills, keeping methane emissions in check and reducing the burden on our waste management systems.
By composting, you’re not only cutting down waste but also supporting a cleaner, healthier atmosphere.
Supports biodiversity
Healthy soil fosters a thriving ecosystem for insects, earthworms, and beneficial microbes, which not only play essential roles in nutrient cycling, they’re an important part of the food chain, supporting other bugs, smaller mammals and bird life.
How to get started with composting
Composting is easy to set up, and once you’re in the habit, it fits effortlessly into your daily routine.
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Set up your compost space
Build a compost pile in your garden or use a compost bin to manage waste easily. You could try ‘vermicomposting’ – using worms to break down waste.
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Understand the basics of composting ingredients
Compost needs a balance of “greens” (nitrogen-rich materials) and “browns” (carbon-rich materials) to decompose efficiently.
Greens: Fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, fresh grass cuttings
Browns: Dried leaves, branches, cardboard, paper, straw
Aim for a 2:1 ratio of browns to greens. Too much “green” material can make compost smell, while too many “browns” slow down the decomposition.
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Maintain your compost pile
Turn the pile regularly with a garden fork: This introduces oxygen, which helps speed up the composting process and prevents odours.
Keep it moist: Your compost should feel like a damp sponge. Water it lightly if it gets too dry, or add more browns if it’s too wet. A dry compost pile is an attractive cosy place for mice and rats to snuggle up and nest, so making sure it stays damp will deter unwanted visitors!
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Be mindful of what not to compost
Avoid adding meat, dairy, oily foods, diseased plants, pet waste, and anything non-biodegradable (such as plastics), as these can disrupt the composting process.
Tips for success!
Start small: Especially if you’re new to composting, start with just a few scraps at a time to get a feel for the process.
Use a kitchen caddy: Having a container for kitchen scraps makes it easy to separate compostable waste from the start.
Sniff out problems: A well-maintained compost pile should smell earthy, not unpleasant. If you notice a bad odour, adjust the balance of greens and browns, or turn the pile more frequently.
Be patient: Composting takes time—typically, 2-6 months for a pile to break down. The wait is well worth it, and each pile will improve with practice.
Turning food scraps into a brighter future
By starting a compost pile, you’re actively participating in a global movement to protect our soils, reduce emissions, and support biodiversity. At Earth Trust, with our “Thank the Earth” campaign, we promote sustainable farming practices across our 500 hectares of mixed farmland to demonstrate the direct link between healthy soils and a healthy environment. Composting is a small yet impactful way to support this mission right from your own home.
Composting is a commitment to nourishing the earth – a thank you to the soils that support life. So, next time you have a banana peel or coffee ground in hand, think twice before throwing it in the bin. Join our community of changemakers and contribute to a brighter, greener future – one scrap at a time.