Homemade Compost Pile Recipe

We are learning how to make our world a "better place."  There are things we can do at home that can help.  Did you know that about 30% of trash thrown away each day can be composted?!?! 
Here are some benefits to composting courtesy of the EPA:
   1. It helps get rid of plant diseases and pests.
   2. It eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.
   3. It produces healthier crops.
   4. It is cheap...nervermind...its FREE!!!

   5. It removes solids, oil, grease, and metals from stormwater runoff.

Composting helps our Earth by:
   1. Enriching soil.
   2. Cleans contaminated soil.
   3. Helps prevent pollution.
   4. Reduces need for water, fertilizer, and pesticides.

Here are all the steps you need to create your own compost pile at home:

Materials:
Animal manure

Cardboard rolls
Clean paper
Coffee grounds and filters
Cotton rags
Dryer and vacuum cleaner lint
Eggshells
Fireplace ashes
Fruits and vegetables
Grass clippings
Hair and fur
Hay and straw
Houseplants
Leaves
Nut shells

Sawdust

Shredded newspaper

Tea bags

Wood chips

Wool rags

Yard trimmings

Steps:

1.Select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile or bin.

2.Add your brown and green materials as you collect them, making sure larger pieces are chopped or shredded.

3.Moisten dry materials as they are added.

4.Once your compost pile is established, mix grass clippings and green waste into the pile and bury fruit and vegetable waste under 10 inches of compost material.

5.Optional: Cover top of compost with a tarp to keep it moist.

6.When the material at the bottom is dark and rich in color, your compost is ready to use (this is usually occurs in two months to two years).