Living in an apartment can make it challenging to live sustainably, but it is not impossible. Composting, for example, is an environmentally friendly practice that you can implement in your apartment to reduce waste and improve soil health. Composting also offers a host of benefits, including nutrient-rich soil for your plants, reduction in landfills, and reduction in greenhouse gases. In this blog post, we will give you tips and tricks on how to compost in an apartment.
The first and essential step to composting in an apartment is choosing the right container. There are various types of containers available for apartment composting, including plastic bins, worm bins, and bokashi buckets. Whatever container you choose, make sure that it fits in your apartment and has a tight lid to minimize odor.
Once you have selected the correct container, you'll need to decide on the type of materials you'll put in it. You can compost food scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, eggshells, and yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings. Avoid adding meats, dairy, and fats as they attract pests and cause odor.
To create nutrient-rich soil, you need to maintain the right balance of greens and browns in your compost bin. Greens include materials high in nitrogen, such as fruit and vegetable scraps, while browns are high in carbon, such as leaves and paper. Aim for a 50:50 ratio of greens to browns to create optimal compost.
Your compost should be moist, but not wet. This can be achieved by adding water to an appropriate amount of compost. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much water can cause odors and attract pests.
Depending on the type of container you have, compost can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to be ready. When your compost is done, it will look dark and crumbly. You can use it to enrich your soil, potting soil, or garden beds. But be careful not to use too much compost, as it can harm your plants.
Composting in an apartment is an eco-friendly and viable option that you should consider. From selecting the right container to maintaining the right balance and moisture, you now have the necessary tools to start composting. It may take a little bit of time and effort, but it's all worth it when you see the benefits of healthy soil and reduced household waste. So, let's all do our part in living sustainably and make composting a part of our apartment lifestyle. If you're looking for apartments for rent in Columbia, SC, contact Otarre Pointe Apartments today to schedule a personal tour.