Real Nappy Week just ended in Scotland on the 3rd May. We're now into Compost Awareness Week (3-9 May), the ninth of its kind, as part of an ongoing drive to get people to recycle organic waste from their garden and kitchen into compost.
The week aims to encourage more people
to take up home composting by purchasing discounted compost bins through the Waste Aware Scotland Compost at Home campaign.
"Composting at home is relatively easy and helps reduce the 900,000
tonnes of kitchen and garden waste that Scotland produces every year, " said Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham, who marked the occasion of the dirt fest by installing
a new compost bin in her own garden.
"Composting at home also creates a great
free, soil conditioner which can help improve the health and growth of
your plants. The three tops tips to produce the best compost are: place
your bin in a suitable location; get the mix right and add air," Cunningham added.
The campaign, which is backed by all 32 Scottish local authorities, is being run with the national Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP). Compost bins can be ordered at www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk or by calling 0845 076 0223. The bins come in a variety of sizes and cost from £8 upwards (including delivery).
Tips for lovely compost
Once purchased, Waste Aware Scotland offers the following tips to ensure householders get the most from their composting:
- Positioning the compost bin. Ideally place the bin on soil or grass in a partially shaded area of the garden that can be accessed easily all year round
- Getting the right mix. Aim to get a 50/50 mix of green materials such as fruit and veg peelings, cut flowers and grass cuttings and brown materials such as paper, cardboard, egg shells and hedge trimmings
- Adding air. Air speeds up the composting process. This can be done by adding air pockets created by placing scrunched up paper and card in the bin or manually by turning the compost with a garden fork