Conversation with my neighbor about composting changed my whole routine

Last weekend I was hauling my trash cans to the curb when my neighbor Dave stopped me. He said he hasn't put out a full trash bag in 6 months because he composts all his kitchen scraps. I thought composting would be gross or attract bugs, but he showed me his setup - just a plastic bin with holes in the backyard. He told me he saves about 40% of his waste from the landfill every week. That hit me because I never really thought about how much food waste I generate. I started a small compost pile 3 days ago and already feel less guilty about the banana peels and coffee grounds. Do you guys have any tricks for keeping the smell down when it rains?

3 comments

3 Comments

pat_schmidt601mo ago

Dave said he hasn't put out a full trash bag in 6 months? I mean, good for him I guess, but come on. 40% less waste sounds impressive on paper but how much food are you really throwing away? I toss a banana peel or two and some eggshells and I'm supposed to feel guilty about it? That's like saving 2 bucks a month on garbage disposal, not exactly life changing. And now you're worried about the rain making it smell? You're three days in and already troubleshooting problems. That's exactly why most people quit this stuff in a week, you know?

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holly_sanchez751mo ago

Honestly Pat, you're not wrong, that troubleshooting part is a huge pain and I'd probably give up too.

the_joseph12d ago

I mean look Pat, I get where you're coming from but you're kind of proving the point. If everyone thought like that nothing would ever change. Saving a couple bucks a month and keeping a few bags out of the landfill adds up over time. And yeah the troubleshooting part is annoying but anything worth doing takes a little effort at first.