Things to Avoid in a Compost Heap
Every gardener knows that composting is a fundamental part of growing a successful crop, but many of them are unaware that certain additives can actually compromise the pile’s intended functions. While a lot of waste can provide essential nutrients to the plants, some discards should be kept away from the heap. This list reveals the worst compost offenders.
Pet Waste
Most manure is good for the compost, but excrement from dogs and cats must be avoided at all costs. Their waste introduces parasites that humans should absolutely never consume. Meanwhile, it is safe to use manure from chickens, cows and horses.
Meat and Fish
While these scraps are not directly bad for the soil, they will attract a lot of vermin. Many mammals will arrive to desecrate the crops. Unwanted visitors may include mice, rats, cats and foxes.
Tea Bags and Coffee Filters
The problem here is not tea and coffee; in fact, both can assist a permaculturist’s ambitions. Actually, the real issue happens to be the bags. They simply do not break down fast enough, and they have a lot of foreign chemicals that can contaminate the ecosystem.
Treated Woods
Any wood that has been treated will possess inorganic compounds that will not decompose. As a consequence, their presence will fully deter healthy microorganism activity. This problem persists even in sawdust form.
Onions & Citrus Peels
Most fruits and veggies are beneficial agents of growth; however, two of them should be steadfastly avoided. Citrus peels and onions are a deadly pair. Their high acid levels inhibit decomposition by killing all nearby microorganisms.
Plastic
These substances are completely non-biodegradable. This means they should be avoided with composting alongside almost every other use. Plastic products are consuming too much room at landfills, and they are devastating aquatic life around the world.
Final Note
100,000 students from the Open Permaculture School cannot be wrong. Sustainable living is real, and the planet can benefit from it too. Experts at the Regenerative Leadership Institute are showing 190+ countries transformative ways to improve their relations with nature.