<body><div><p>Composting isn’t just about recycling waste; it’s a fun-filled adventure that transforms your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich gold for your garden. If you think composting is all work and no play, think again. Here are some tips on how you can make this eco-friendly practice enjoyable for everyone.</p><h2>Start with a bin or a pile</h2><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2FLt2E_0wL4wgp500" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2FLt2E_0wL4wgp500" width="1320" height="1760" ></figure><p>The first step in your composting journey is selecting the right compost bin or pile setup that suits your space and lifestyle. A compost bin can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it to be, and choosing one that fits your aesthetic can make the process even more enjoyable.</p><p>There are various types of compost bins available, ranging from pre-made bins at garden centers to DIY options made from pallets or wire mesh. On the other hand, an open pile can be an easy and accessible option if you have enough space in your yard. Stop by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services office to purchase a C.E. Sheperd collapsible compost bin for $65 and get started today!</p><p>In siting your pile, consider factors like sunlight, drainage, accessibility and convenience. A spot with partial sunlight is ideal, as it helps maintain the right temperature for decomposition when drying out materials. Make sure that the location is easily accessible so you can add kitchen scraps and yard waste, as well as turn the pile when necessary.</p><p>If you are short on space or want to increase the fun factor, try composting with worms! Red wiggler worms do the work and turn food scraps into black gold. All it takes is a bin that can easily fit under your sink, in a closet, or somewhere that stays in their ideal temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees. This a great project for whole family, and the castings are full of nutrients to add to house plants or garden beds.</p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1AOMOm_0wL4wgp500" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1AOMOm_0wL4wgp500" width="1200" height="1200" ></figure><h2>Involve family or friends</h2><p>Turn composting into a family affair! You can easily assign each family member a task; one can collect scraps, another can turn the pile, and someone else can monitor moisture levels. Kids will love to contribute, especially if they can toss in their own food scraps. If you’d prefer to make this a group project, perhaps you are part of a community garden or have friends in the neighborhood that you can involve in the setup. Teach them how to layer materials in the bin—starting with a base of coarse materials like twigs or straw for aeration, followed by green materials (nitrogen-rich) like fruit scraps and brown materials (carbon-rich) like dried leaves. This collaborative effort not only educates but also fosters a sense of teamwork and shared responsibility.</p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2F6uJR_0wL4wgp500" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2F6uJR_0wL4wgp500" width="1500" height="1800" ></figure><p>Composting can be a delightful, hands-on experience that connects you with nature and your community. By incorporating creativity, teamwork, and a sense of fun, you can turn what might seem like a chore into a joyful adventure. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the dirt, and let the transformation from dirt to delight begin!</p><p>Join Environmental Services for our free backyard composting classes every month from November to March.</p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0mIoRC_0wL4wgp500" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0mIoRC_0wL4wgp500" width="1200" height="1600" ></figure><p>Double up the fun and smash your Halloween jack-o-lanterns before they are composted! The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department invites all ages to ghoulish green fun at Pumpkin Smash, Saturday November 2, 2024, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Sterling Ridge Park and Ride (8001 McBeth Way). Choose your own pumpkin smashing adventure! Catapult it and watch it fly, grab a baseball bat or mallet and smash it to smithereens, or watch it explode on impact from an 80-foot drop. There is no limit to the number of pumpkins you can bring, and they can be carved, uncarved or painted. Be sure to remove non-biodegradable materials (candles, stickers, yarn, googly eyes, plastics, etc.) before smashing, as all pumpkin pieces will be transformed into nutrient-rich compost.</p><p>Learn more about how easy it is to keep your pumpkins out of the landfill in our blog post, Easy Peasy Pumpkin Squeezy, and green your Halloween for many years to come. For further information email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov or call 281-210-3800. </p><p>.</p></div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Dirt to Delight: The Fun Side of Composting

Composting isn’t just about recycling waste; it’s a fun-filled adventure that transforms your kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich gold for your garden. If you think composting is all work and no play, think again. Here are some tips on how you can make this eco-friendly practice enjoyable for everyone.