How to Choose the Right Composting System for Your Home

There are as many composting systems as there are gardeners out there! From small space to large farms, gardeners have all sorts of creative ways to compost their waste. Which system is right for you? Here are some questions to ask yourself before starting your compost project, and a list of some of the more common systems. This should help you determine what the best system is for your situation.

How much do you compost?

Do you have a lot of acreage? Do you mow and rake a large area and end up with a lot of lawn waste? Or do you basically want a system to compost kitchen scraps? Consider how much waste you generate before deciding on a system.

How big an area do you want to enrich with compost?

Whether you have a small garden, an indoor garden, or multiple, large gardens, they all need compost. Take a moment to calculate how much area you are going to be enriching with compost before beginning, so you don’t end up with too much or too little compost (although your neighbors may appreciate any extra you have!).

Here are some of the compost systems available:

1. Pile it up
The least complicated compost system is simply a pile on the ground in a location that receives a balance of sun and shade. Simply start with yard clippings and add kitchen scraps, and use a pitchfork or shovel to keep it heaped so that it will decompose. This kind of compost will need to be turned by hand. The open pile system may be a problem in certain cities or neighborhoods, so check with your local zoning officials to find out if this kind of system is allowed.

2. An open bin
Also a fairly simple method, an open bin can be constructed with wood and wire netting. This is a good way to use scrap wood such as old packing pallets. Such a bin can have a slatted wood bottom, or simply sit on the ground surrounded by the wood and wire structure. You don’t even need wood scraps; an open bin can consist of a cross section of perforated metal sheeting, or an upright, cylindrical loop of wire. Again, this is a potentially problematic system for those who live in cities or suburbs with close neighbors.

3. A closed compost bin
These look like large, plastic barrels, and that is essentially what they are. Most municipalities accept this kind of composting system, and your local waste management authority should have information about where to obtain such a bin. In fact, some waste management authorities have such bins available for sale. There are quite of few styles and varieties of commercial bins available, including some that can be turned from the outside. Generally speaking, those offered by municipalities are less expensive that those sold at garden centers or online.

4. A worm bin
This is a method of compost that can be done indoors in a garage or basement. Sometimes called vermicomposting, a worm bin uses the natural habits of worms to break down kitchen and yard waste into usable compost. You can purchase a worm bin or make your own – just be sure it is waterproof, has air holes and is opaque (worms like it dark).

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How To Cut Your Energy Bill By Planting Trees

When you hear about enhancements to your property that can cut energy bills, do you think of installing solar panels or other extensive renovations? Of course, those are legitimate and effective ways to cut your energy bills. But simply planting trees can provide a beautiful means by which to decrease your energy use. Here is how trees can help your energy bills, and directions on how to do it.

1. Shade
In the summer, direct sunlight can really heat up your home, encouraging you to turn your air conditioning thermostat down. Trees provide much-needed shade and can offset the heating effects of the sun. In the winter, you can enjoy the benefits of the warming sunlight because the leaves will be off the trees.

2. Shelter
Trees provide windbreaks, which help keep your home warm in the winter. Evergreens are especially effective.

Here are the basic steps to planting trees to conserve energy. Keep in mind that early spring or fall are the best times for tree planting.

1. Choose the spot
-Make sure you check for utility lines/pipes below and power lines above.
-You won’t need shade on the north side of your house. How much shade you need depends, of course, on where your house gets the most and hottest sun.

2. Choose the tree
-If you live in a temperate climate, choose a deciduous tree if you want the sun to warm your home in the winter. Choose an evergreen if you want shade in the summer and an effective windbreak in the winter. A compromise would be a fairly short, densely-branched tree that would provide a windbreak in the winter even without leaves.
-Consider the tree’s height at maturity when planting.
-Check with your local extension office to find out what trees are good for your area.

3. Dig a hole
-Make the hole deep enough to cover the root ball, and wide enough to allow soil to be placed around it.
-Add some compost or potting soil to the hole, working it into the sides and bottom of the hole and loosening the soil.

4. Place the tree into the hole and fill it with soil.

5. Water the tree thoroughly.

How To Save Money and Be More Eco-Friendly In The Living Room

Does your living room need a makeover? Then it’s a good time to invest in some energy saving, eco-friendly changes. Or maybe you are setting up your living room for the first time. Either way, there are ways to save money while keeping the environment in mind. Here are 5 steps toward saving money and creating a more eco living room.

1. Use power strips
Power strips are an energy-saving option because they can be turned off, cutting power to multiple electronic devices all at once. Devices that are plugged in still use electricity even when turned off, especially if the appliance has a rechargeable battery.

2. Use a smaller, LCD television
A big screen plasma TV may be an exciting prospect, but think before you purchase one. Smaller, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) TVs use less electricity than plasma, and the smaller the TV the more energy-efficient. There are flat-screen, LCD TVs available.

3. Freshen the air with plants
You don’t need to invest in chemical air fresheners, many of which contain perfumes that can irritate allergies. Air fresheners also have to be replaced regularly. House plants, on the other hand, are inexpensive, beautiful, and natural air fresheners. They turn carbon monoxide into oxygen and absorb toxins from the air. Succulents, cacti, and orchids are good for beginners.

4. Consider salvaged wood furniture
This is furniture that is made from collected wood, such as fallen trees or driftwood. This kind of furniture can be purchased or, if you really want to save money, collect and make something yourself. You can assemble driftwood pieces artistically and glue them together into a mirror or picture frame, for example, or use a cross-section of a fallen log as an end table.

5. Update your lamps
You don’t have to sacrifice style to go green with your lighting. Simply replacing your existing bulbs with CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Bulbs) will cut your energy costs. Putting an inexpensive timer on your living room lamps is another way to save energy.

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