Keep Athens Area Beautiful: Let’s Make Composting Fun & Easy!

The Classic City Rotary of Athens  Eco Passport is a year-long initiative to encourage members to engage in eco-friendly activities and promote environmental awareness. Members earn points by completing various sustainable actions, such as recycling, composting, attending environmental talks, and participating in service projects. ECORotary@sosuin.org

Eco Passport Item # 1 – “Compost at home with a compost bin from KACCB”
By Salome Alvarez, Southern Sustainability Institute, Athens, GA
Email: Blog@sosuin.org

Want to reduce waste, help the environment, and grow healthier plants? Composting is the answer, and Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful (KACCB) is here to make it simple for you! Composting is an easy, eco-friendly way to turn your kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil that helps gardens thrive and reduces landfill waste.

Ready to dive into composting?
KACCB offers affordable compost bins and all the tips you need to get started. Visit the KACCB Composting Page to learn more and purchase your compost bin today!

Get Your Compost Bin Today! ♻️
KACCB offers convenient compost bins to make managing your organic waste easier. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Order Your Bin: Visit the KACCB Backyard Composting page to select the perfect compost bin for your space.
  2. Pick Up or Delivery: Choose between pickup or delivery to get your bin.
  3. Start Composting: Begin turning your waste into valuable compost to enrich your garden!

By composting, you’re reducing your carbon footprint and creating something that benefits your garden, community, and the planet. 🌍

What Can You Compost? 🍂

Not sure what to toss into your compost bin? Here’s a quick guide:

  • Green Materials:
    Fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, tea bags, and grass clippings (high in nitrogen).
  • Brown Materials:
    Dry leaves, cardboard, shredded paper, and straw (rich in carbon).
  • Yard Waste:
    Small branches, twigs, and plant trimmings.

For more detailed information, check out Composting and Mulching: A Guide to Managing Organic Yard Wastes by the University of Georgia Extension.

Composting Do’s & Don’ts 🚫

While composting is easy, there are a few things to keep out:

  • Do Not Add:
    • Meat, dairy, or oily foods (they attract pests).
    • Diseased plants or chemically treated materials.
    • Pet waste.

Stick to the good stuff, and your compost will thrive.


Source: https://info.drawdownga.org/composting-georgia-toolkit

Why Composting is a Game-Changer 🌟

Composting isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about creating something that gives back to the earth. Here are just a few reasons why composting is awesome:

  • Reduce Landfill Waste:
    Keep food scraps and yard waste out of the trash.
  • Enrich Your Soil:
    Compost adds nutrients that make plants grow stronger.
  • Save Water:
    Compost helps soil retain moisture, cutting down on watering.
  • Save Money:
    No need for store-bought fertilizers—your compost does it all!

Fun Composting Ideas: Where to Use Your Compost 🌿

Ready to put that beautiful compost to use? Here are a few creative ideas:

  • Garden Beds:
    Mix compost into your flower or veggie garden for healthier plants.
  • Lawn Care:
    Sprinkle compost over your lawn for greener, thicker grass.
  • Houseplants:
    Add a little compost to your indoor plants’ soil for a nutrient boost.
  • Mulch:
    Use unfinished compost as mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.


Source: https://scienceforgeorgia.org/knowledge-base1/food-waste-composting-in-georgia/

Join the Composting Revolution with KACCB 🌍

Composting is one of the simplest ways to live more sustainably and make a real impact on our environment. Whether you’re new to composting or a seasoned pro, Keep Athens-Clarke County Beautiful is here to support you.

Visit the KACCB Website to learn more about their programs and how you can get involved.

Resources:
https://scienceforgeorgia.org/knowledge-base1/food-waste-composting-in-georgia/
https://info.drawdownga.org/composting-georgia-toolkit
https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C816&title=composting-and-mulching
https://www.accgov.com/1350/Composting
https://www.accgov.com/1351/Backyard-Composting


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