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10 Tips for Becoming a Compost Guru

10 Tips for Becoming a Compost Guru

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Growing up in the Bay Area meant learning about recycling and composting from a very early age. In elementary school, we had a blue bin for recycling, a green bin for composting, and a black bin for trash outside every classroom. My kindergarten teacher explained and demonstrated the importance of composting by allowing us to help her tend a garden, where our composted food was utilized as fertilizer. 

Are you interested in composting but not sure where to start? No problem! In this blog, you’ll learn about 10 tips to help you become a compost guru.  

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1. What can you actually compost?

Most foods can be composted. You can compost any of the following: between cardboard (uncoated), coffee grounds and filters, eggshells, fireplace ashes (natural wood only), fruits and vegetables, grass clippings, hair and fur, hay and straw, houseplants, leaves, shredded newspapers, nutshells, paper (uncoated), sawdust, tea bags, wood chips, and yard trimmings. Sometimes, recyclable materials like cardboard can’t get recycled anymore when they have oil stains (pizza boxes, we’re looking at you). But, this is still perfect for your compost pile! 

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2. What should you not compost?

Not all food should be composted. Dairy products and eggs can create odor problems and can potentially attract rodents and other pests. Fats, grease, lard, and oil are also guilty of the same issues. Meat, fish bones, and scraps may also carry pathogens, which can cause diseases. 

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3. Adding red worms

Red wigglers can be a great addition to your compost pile. They swallow lots of organic material, digest it, and produce worm castings, which are rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and many micronutrients. 

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4. Just add water

Sometimes adding water to your compost pile is necessary to keep your compost pile moist. The living organisms that break down the organic material need moisture to survive, so if your compost pile becomes too dry, they may perish. On that note, if you add more “green” material to your compost, you will not have to add as much water.

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5. Is there a certain order for compost piles?

No, there is no particular order for how you should layer your compost pile. You could organize it in thin layers of alternating between greens and browns, or you could just mix it all together. The composting will not happen any faster or slower, so just do whichever you are more comfortable with. 

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6. Faster composting?

If you wish to compost faster, you can utilize a compost turner every two weeks. Compost turners add oxygen and bring microbes into contact with newly added material. Introducing more oxygen accelerates decomposition and keeps your compost pile fresh and less smelly. Additionally, chopping yard waste or other organic material into smaller pieces will accelerate the decomposition process. 

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7. Compost Tea

Compost can also be used to make compost tea, which is a nutrient-rich liquid that can be used to water anything that grows. This liquid is more fertile than water and can enable your plant to grow faster. 

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8. Monitor the temperature of your compost pile

Be sure to monitor the temperature of your compost pile. Compost decomposes fastest at 120-160 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a compost thermometer to keep track of your pile’s temperature. 

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9. How do I know when my compost pile is “done”?

Finished compost is usually less than half of the volume of the organic material you originally started with. Even though the volume will look considerably smaller, the material will be much more dense. 

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10. What do I do with my finished compost?

Finished compost can be used to fertilize soil! This finished compost will add nutrients to your garden and help your garden flourish. You can never add too much compost; any amount of compost will benefit your soil. 

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Composting is a simple action you can take that will benefit you, your household, and the planet. If you’re new to the art, start composting in small increments. Create a small pile and see how the fertile, finished compost helps your garden. Once you see how beneficial compost is, I’m sure you will become just as determined to compost as I am!

How Advocates are Shifting the Tide on Underwater Munitions

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Our ocean is host to an unthinkable amount of life and unknown treasures. But, along with life there are silent killers lurking. Underwater munitions are left over weaponry that leak pollutants, causing mass environmental degradation. 

What are underwater munitions?

Underwater munitions are a wide variety of weaponry ranging from TNT, aircraft, and bombs, that have been left in the ocean to deteriorate. Many industrialized nations intentionally dumped weaponry in the oceans from the 1910s-1970s. The United States, United Kingdom, and Soviet Union lead in dumping rates, polluting their surrounding waters. Terrance Long, the chairman of International Dialogue on Underwater Munitions (IDUM) stated that these underwater weapons release toxins into our seas 24/7, attacking coral reefs, promoting toxic algae blooms, and creating dead zones in our oceans. 

It is believed that there are around 32,000 tons of chemical weapons littering the United States coastlines. These munitions contain several potent agents that continue to pollute waterways and have far reaching effects on our food chains. 

Despite this, the Department of Defense has determined that retrieval of munitions is not possible as there would be “more serious effects on marine life and the ocean environment than would leaving them in place.” Opposing researchers argue that such a conclusion was made in an effort to save money versus our coastlines. 

Underwater munitions impact your health and the planet

Underwater munitions release toxins into our oceans as they decompose –this has far reaching consequences. As chemicals are released into the ocean they are absorbed by local species, entering the food chain, and increasing mortality. The depletion of fish stocks puts strain on ecosystems as populations decrease and food becomes scarce, also impacting economies dependent on fishing. 

The small island of Vieques is located off the coast of Puerto Rico. The island appears to be the perfect, untouched Carribean paradise with turquoise waters, wild horses, and one of the brightest bioluminescent bays in the world. For generations, the United States military used Vieques as a training site for bombs and operations. Over 900kg of bombs containing toxins such as napalm and uranium were fired into the surrounding ocean. The navy has begun clean up efforts in Vieques and estimates that it may take up to another 30 years to clean the underwater weaponry. So far the navy has used a process of open detonation to dispose of the old bombs. Cancer rates in Vieques are exponentially higher than in Puerto Rico even though the islands are only a few kilometers apart, a possible indicator of the effects of underwater munitions on public health.

As toxins from underwater munitions are absorbed by local wildlife they effectively enter our food chain. This leads to large populations of the world unknowingly consuming contaminated fish. Over time some chemicals may begin to dissipate, posing little to no threat to wildlife or humans, but others such as arsenic bioaccumulate. When a chemical bioaccumulates it travels through the food chain between species, therefore when fish absorb arsenic it stays in their tissue even after being prepared for human consumption. Inorganic arsenic at high levels can have negative health impacts for humans such as: skin and bladder infections, lung cancer, diabetes, and infant mortality. 

Arsenic poisoning is most common in highly industrialized nations that previously relied on dumping as a method for disposal of weapons and have not properly cleaned this waste. While severe arsenic poisoning is unlikely, its effects can still be seen in our ecosystems and in communities surrounding polluted waterways.

What are the solutions?

Underwater munitions are a silent problem, polluting our waterways and food systems. Removing this machinery from the ocean floor will be a difficult task, but one that will preserve our oceans for generations to come. 

So far, the United Nations has established several targets for removing these pollutants from the sea floor. The Department of Defense has remained firm on its belief that removing munitions would be more dangerous than leaving them, but many advocacy groups have challenged this.  Terrance Long believes a solution to cleaning our seas is to float weapons to the surface, neutralizing the TNT, and then safely disposing of harmful chemicals.

IDUM has been a long time advocate for the removal of underwater munitions in a safe manner. It is their mission to promote the creation of an international treaty to encourage further international research on underwater munitions and promote environmentally friendly remediations in regions affected by underwater munitions. IDUM has been a leader organizing world leaders to discuss and seek solutions to underwater munitions. 

This is a problem that cannot be solved on an individual level, but instead pressure must be put onto governments to clean the mess the military industrial complex has caused. Pressure from citizens can motivate the government to undertake clean up efforts and invest in research to understand the effects underwater munitions has on individual health. Reaching out to your Congressional Representatives to express your support for underwater munition clean-up programs can help clean our oceans.

Sustainable Beauty and Skincare Solutions

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No one creates a fully sustainable lifestyle overnight, but one simple place to start on your journey is adopting a sustainable beauty routine. This means choosing products for your skin, hair, and body that are not only good for you, but for the planet too. Whether it’s buying in bulk, making DIY products, or supporting sustainable beauty companies, clean beauty looks different for everyone.

Environmental Impact of Beauty

The beauty industry produces more than 120 billion units of packaging each year. It is predicted that by 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish. Turtles and birds often mistake plastic for food and mistakenly consume it. Microbeads, small plastic beads often used in face scrubs and toothpaste, end up in the ocean and can have damaging effects on marine life.

Furthermore, there are a variety of toxic chemicals in common beauty products that negatively affect both our health and the environment. For example, oxybenzone is a common chemical in many sunscreens. It is highly toxic to coral reefs. Parabens, a type of preservative used to prolong the shelf life of many products, are known to penetrate the skin and remain within our tissues. Parabens have even been found in the bodies of marine animals. Similarly, Talc, a common chemical in makeup has been proven to enter the body through the skin. Unfortunately, some talc contains asbestos, a substance known to cause a variety of cancers

With all of these concerns in mind, you are probably wondering: what can I do to reduce pollution created by my daily routine? Luckily, there are a variety of beauty alternatives that can improve your environmental impact without compromising on quality skincare!

The Clean Beauty Movement

The clean beauty movement is about finding products with natural ingredients that are safe for your health and for the environment. This includes being ocean safe and sustainably sourced. Clean beauty brands look at the ways to give back to and have a net positive impact on the environment, while also protecting your health and wellness. 

How do you know if you can trust products that claim to fill the clean beauty standards? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has created the EWG Verified mark to help consumers choose healthier, safe options. Check the EWG website for more information.

It’s also important to identify brands you trust. Here are a few brands we recommend. 

Sustainable Brands We Recommend

True Moringa

There are a handful of brands that are dedicated to sustainable practices. One great example is True Moringa. Founded in 2011 by Emily Cunningham and Kwami Williams, True Moringa sells face, body, and hair oils as well as body balms. They are based in northern Ghana where they source their moringa locally and ethically. By sourcing locally, the brand is not only employing a community of people but also regenerating the local ecosystem by planting trees. So far, they have planted 2000 trees and helped 500 farmers.

Lush Cosmetics

Lush Cosmetics has a “naked” product line, meaning products that you can buy with absolutely no packaging at all. By not using any packaging, they are reducing waste and shrinking their carbon footprint. For Lush products outside of the “naked” line, they use packaging materials that are 100% recyclable, compostable, and biodegradable.

Herbivore

Herbivore is an organic, vegan skincare brand based in Seattle, WA. Founded by Julia Wills and Alexander Kummerow, their products are all-natural, non-toxic, and do not use fillers of any kind. To top it off, all of their products are packaged in glass, which can be recycled an infinite amount of times. 

Venus in Leo

Created in 2016 by Bimbola Akinbola, Venus in Leo is a sustainable non-toxic body care company. Akinbola says, “I created Venus in Leo with the goal of providing effective and luxurious non-toxic body care products at accessible sliding scale prices. My goal is to create a product that is produced and distributed ethically and with my community and the planet in mind. I work to purchase in bulk from local vendors whenever possible. I also try to choose containers made of sustainable materials like glass or steel whenever possible. Even my shipping materials are recycled from bulk shipments I receive!”

Nina Naomi Curl Shop

Nina Naomi Curl Shop is a Brooklyn based clean beauty hair care company specializing in hydrating, health-focused products for people with curly and coily hair types. In a recent interview, Nina Hay, the founder of Nina Naomi Curl Shop, stated, “My products are inspired by my favorite fruits and foods growing up as a Jamaican person. The Curlshop aims to redefine the natural hair industry to encourage clients to listen to their own hair, promote self-education about hair health, and think retrospectively about going back to our roots with respect to our beauty.” Nina also uses all glass packaging. 

Fenty Skin

In 2017, Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty with the goal of providing a foundation for people of all skin tones and shades. Her new line, Fenty Skin uses SPF that is coral reef safe and incorporates a product refill system, which reduces waste created by packaging. Fenty Beauty is also partnered with Rihanna’s non-profit organization, The Clara Lionel Foundation, which funds education, health, and emergency preparedness initiatives around the world.

Activist Skincare

Activist is a vegan skincare brand based in California. All of their ingredients come from sustainability-minded suppliers and they package all of their products in glass bottles. They also have a pouch-based refill program. Activist is aware that “communities of color face extensive environmental injustices,” so they decided to donate 5% of sales for the rest of 2020 to non-profits who advocate for environmental justice. 

How to Make Your Beauty Routine More Sustainable

In addition to supporting sustainable beauty brands, another way to build a sustainable routine is to buy in bulk. Buying in bulk simply means shopping in larger quantities. If you buy a larger quantity of a product you end up with less waste per volume. This is an easy way for us to reduce our waste even if we cannot afford to shop at zero waste shops. 

Another great way to incorporate sustainability into your beauty routine is through DIY practices. Here are some links to quick, easy, and budget-friendly recipes for homemade face masks, floral bath soaks, and at-home herbal hair oil.

Finally, make sure to explore the Environmental Working Group’s website to find out what brands and products are EWG verified. Looking for the EWG verification mark ensures that your beauty and skincare products are good for both you and the planet.

Businesses, governments, and individuals all need to take greater responsibility for the waste they create and educate themselves about the ingredients in their products. The beauty and skincare industry has made great strides towards becoming more sustainable. Fortunately, consumers now have options to purchase sustainable products and to collectively minimize our impact on the environment.

Top Tips for Hurricane Preparedness

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Hurricane season is in full swing and this year has had a record breaking amount of storms. For only the second time in history the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has begun naming storms from the greek alphabet versus its list of storm names. Changes in the atmosphere and rising temperature have played a role in increasing the severity and frequency of hurricanes over the past ten years, meaning those living in affected areas must stay prepared. Here’s some tips to prep for hurricane season ahead of time. 

Know your evacuation routes and listen to evacuation orders. 

It’s easy for long time residents to ignore evacuation orders and remain in their homes, but this puts first responders and residents in harm’s way. Just because the last storm was not that bad, does not mean the next one will be too.

Make a plan for your furry family members, too. 

It is truly heartbreaking after storms to see dozens of images of pets left behind as their owners evacuated, leaving behind animals in the face of hurricanes is neglectful and puts your pets in harm’s way. In order to make evacuation with your pets easier keeping a pet preparedness kit allows you to quickly evacuate with your animals. By purchasing sturdy leashes, food and water bowls, medication, and extra food ahead of time you will be better able to transport your pet in the face of disaster. It is also important to keep current pictures of your pet in case they become separated from you. 

Have a storm preparation kit.

Keeping non-perishable supplies on hand will allow you to spend more time preparing your home and yourself for a hurricane. In 2020 the state of Florida passed a law making all hurricane supplies tax free from May 29th-June 4th. Some items to keep in your kit include: batteries, flashlights and candles, medication, canned goods, and a NOAA weather radio. 

Invest in weather resistant infrastructure. 

When building or purchasing a home in a hurricane prone area, it is important to consider how your home’s construction will hold up in a storm. Properties with a round or square design reduce wind pressure on any one side of the house. Also, roofs with a 30 degree angle offer the best wind deflection and reduce your chances of losing your roof in a major storm. Hurricane grade windows are also a great investment that will reduce impact to your home. These windows are designed to withstand high winds, rain, and debris to avoid cracking. 

Maintain the property surrounding your home. 

It is particularly important to upkeep the land surrounding your. By regularly trimming trees and maintaining any landscaping you may have you can prevent unnecessary debris from coming loose in the face of high winds. Replacing any gravel or rock landscaping with shredded bark is also a great way to avoid contributing to debris. Mulch also provides natural fertilizer for your soil as it decomposes and is more effective in conserving water. 

Prep to shelter in place, if necessary.

If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to travel out of the storm’s path, there are several things you can do to ensure your safety. Filling extra water bottles and containers with water will ensure that you have extra drinking water if you must shelter in place. Also by filling bathtubs and sinks with water you can flush toilets, wash clothes, and bathe even if there is no running water. Boarding up doors and windows insures that your house will be protected from debris. 

This hurricane season there have already been 23 named storms, doubling the annual average, and there will certainly be more. It is no doubt that increasingly warm ocean temperatures have played a role in increasing the severity and frequency of hurricanes and will continue to worsen this trend in future hurricane seasons. The chances of a tropical storm strengthening to a major hurricane have increased by 8% every decade since 1979. Still, time and time again when disaster strikes we have proven the power of community. It is essential to come together to support those around you in times of hardship. Being prepared is more important than ever, please consult your local resources for updated information about hurricane preparedness.

What You Need to Know About Clean Transport

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Between work commute, vacations, and grocery shopping, the average American quickly accumulates travel mileage. According to the US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, Americans drive an average of 13,476 miles per year. Compounded with the interconnectedness of global industries and the ease of e-commerce, the transportation sector accounted for 24% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2016.

With the growth of international trade and the expansion of e-commerce, transportation of goods and services continue to be integral to the global economy. But its environmental impact doesn’t have to grow. The solution? Clean transport.

What is clean transport?

Clean transport aims to reduce emissions and waste within the planet’s capability, and to minimize the resources used to manufacture vehicles. It promotes a shift towards an electric vehicle ecosystem, where transport is affordable, accessible, and efficient.

Why do we need it?

Now, we live in a world where a product from Vietnam is only a click away. We can order dinner from our phones and have it driven to our homes. Apples from the supermarket travel an average of 1,555 miles before reaching the dinner table, according to the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture.

In 2017, transportation emitted 1.9 billion tons of CO2 – surpassing the electric power sector as the largest contributor to CO2 in the US. Industrial dependence on fossil fuel-powered vehicles combined with the vast distance products regularly travel makes up 23% of CO2 emissions from transport.

But personal vehicles make up for the largest percentage of transport carbon emissions in the US. While medium and heavy-duty trucks accounted for 23% of CO2 emissions, personal vehicle use made up a whopping 59% of transport-related greenhouse gas emissions.

cars in traffic at sunset

Opportunities for Growth

Electric vehicles (EV) seek to curb CO2 emissions from transportation. EVs offer a cleaner alternative to the internal combustion engines most vehicles utilize today. The zero tailpipe emissions and dynamic controlled charging promote large potential in CO2 reductions and energy diversification.

Governments and municipalities around the world already see the potential in this new market. Government subsidies in China promoted the growth in electric two/three-wheelers and urban busses. To date, there are half a million electric buses in circulation, most of which are in China. In the Midwest, local municipalities use smart pricing that account for the environmental and societal cost of car use and encourages low-carbon modes of transport.

Although electric vehicles only account for 2.6% of global car sales and only 1% of the global car stock, it has made a significant impact in reducing emissions. In 2019 alone, electric vehicles averted the use of over half a million barrels of oil products per day. By 2030, technological developments will enable EVs to avoid the use of 2.5 million barrels of oil products each day.

Clean Transport Solutions

A global industry shift towards electric energy offers promising opportunities and reductions in carbon emissions, but it is not the sole solution. Other key strategies in clean and sustainable transport include compact and smart development, promoting clean public transport use, shared mobility or carsharing, and smart pricing. Together, industries, governments, and individuals can make significant improvements in our collective carbon footprint.

Just in the past decade, there has been an exponential growth in the electric vehicle industry. With new technological advancements and government subsidies, this growth will continue to accelerate. The Global Green Freight Action Plan offers a platform for governments, the private sector, and civil society to collaborate in enhancing green freight programs. HEVO aims to standardize wireless charging for electric vehicles, making it easier for individuals to recharge their cars and to reduce their carbon footprint.

Communities that promote and advocate walking and cycling are popping up across the country. America Walks advocates for safe, equitable, and accessible places to walk in cities across the US. Cities play a large role in shaping individual behavior and choices. The Institute for Transportation and Development seeks to promote clean transport by advocating for high-quality public transport, safe walking & cycling places, and people-centered policies. But we need to ensure all voices are present at the table. Green For All uplifts the voices of low-income and marginalized communities, and advocates for zero-emission transportation in underserved neighborhoods.

bicycle with greenery background

What You Can Do

The movement towards clean, sustainable transport and smart growth is a collective effort. We can work towards a greener future by taking small steps (literally), and supporting organizations that work to make our cities and communities safer and more accessible to all.

We can each decrease the 13,476 miles we travel each year. Instead of driving to work, maybe opt to use the bus or train three of the five days of the week. Or maybe bike to work, if you live closer and have access to safe bike lanes. If you live in a city with accessible and safe pedestrian lanes, maybe opt to walk to work once a week.

Are you looking to purchase a new vehicle? Consider electric vehicles. For some that live in communities without public transportation, electric vehicles may be key to decreasing your individual carbon footprint.

Our daily choices have a large impact on the 13,476 miles we travel each year. The average American travels 15 miles to get to work. By taking the bus or the train three times per week, we can each cut down an average of 2,250 miles in our annual travel mileage.