Why Compostable is the New Recyclable

It’s no secret that at KENT we’re major fans of composting -- it’s the best solution to diverting natural material and food waste from landfills and taking care of our planet’s health.

 

What is Composting?

Composting is biological decomposition -- the process of turning organic waste (think: food scraps, leaves, etc.) into a valuable fertilizer that can be used to enrich soil and plants. Compost diverts organic waste from sitting in landfills and releasing excessive amounts of methane gases into the atmosphere. The compost process involves a combination of organic matter, nitrogen (‘greens’), carbon (‘browns’), air, and water (learn how to compost at home with our beginner’s guide to compost).

It is not just food material that’s compostable either, anything that grew from the earth can naturally decompose. Composting helps to speed up the natural process by creating the ideal environment for bacteria, fungi and other decomposing organisms to do their job. It’s important to consider how materials have been processed, such as pesticides they may have been treated with before cultivation or any added chemicals that help to create their final product.

The end result? ‘Humus’ -- a luscious fertilizer that feeds the soil with tons of nutrients.

 

Composting vs. Recycling

When it comes to the recycling process, manufactured items that would have otherwise been considered waste, are now being converted into new, useful products. Recycling reduces the need for the cultivation of virgin, raw resources and most often we think of plastic or glass bottles.

But what happens to the stuff that cannot be recycled? Not everything can be recycled or may be improperly recycled. The result - end up clogging landfills and producing methane gas that pollute the atmosphere.

When it comes to addressing the climate crisis, we believe it is not enough to preserve the planet in its current state with recycling entirely, but rather we need to facilitate healing through more proactive actions.

 

The Benefits of Composting

  • Reduces waste pollution: Instead of sending organic matter to the landfill where they would contribute to the release of methane gases. Turn organic waste into something useful that benefits the environment.
  • Replaces synthetic fertilizers: A natural alternative that is not formulated with toxic chemicals; better for the health of our environment and our bodies.
  • Enriches the soil: Helps the soil to retain moisture better, increases soil quality decreases crop susceptibility to diseases and pests.

Composting takes responsibility for the resources we use to make products with a closed-loop or circular design model. By incorporating composting into the design model, it is a preventative waste measure that keeps organic waste out of landfills, restores it back into the soil and contributes back to what we have taken from the earth.

 

Alt image text: Hands holding compost nutrient-rich soil in nature.