Tip Reuse

[David Hogan]

Composting – Nature’s way of Recycling – Even Beer – By recycling your household organic waste into compost, you can return badly needed organic matter to your soil. In this way, you participate in nature's cycle and cut down on garbage going into our burgeoning landfills. And, unlike some fertilizers, compost will not run off your yard and pollute Austin's creeks and waterways. You can make compost by mixing decomposing organic matter made from leaves, grass clippings, wood chips and fruit and vegetable scraps (no meat, dairy, or baked goods). Unusual items you can compost include teabags, eggshells, beer, wine, corks, old pasta, and even dust from your vacuum cleaner. Composting your soil will:
  * Feed the diverse life in the soil (insects, worms, …) which ultimately supports plant growth
  * Suppress disease and harmful pests that overrun poor soil
  * Increase the soil’s ability to retain water, decreasing runoff
  * Reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides
Get started with the city’s guide at: tinyurl.com/CompostAustinGuide.
See a list of 21 unusual items at: tinyurl.com/CompostUnusual.