Composting: The Ugly Duckling of Environmentalism

What exactly is compost, anyway? Why should I be composting?

Compost is partially decomposed organic material that improves soil and enhances plant growth. It’s a garden’s best friend! Compost improves the movement of water, dissolved nutrients, and oxygen through the soil, making it easier for plant roots to absorb these vital substances. A versatile material, compost benefits virtually any soil type from clay to sandy. It also adds small amounts vital nutrients like zinc and copper to soils. Moreover, even though compost does eventually biodegrade naturally, it still sits in landfills for a very long time, occupying a lot of their space. When waste in the landfills is reduced, it costs less to maintain the landfill site, it’s less polluting, easier to maintain, and the carbon footprint is smaller since less trucks are transporting garbage! It’s a win-win.

How does the composting process work?

Is there anywhere on campus I can go to personally see the benefits of compost?

Absolutely! The UNBC compost site features a beautiful organic garden, demonstrating organic gardening and the value of compost. You’ll surely be amazed at how those bits and pieces that nearly made it into your trash contributed to something so gorgeous—composting is truly the “ugly duckling” of environmentalism.

Okay, I’m sold. I’m ready to compost. Where and what can I do that at UNBC?

UNBC has had an excellent composting program since 1995, thanks to the collaboration of REAPS (Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society) and PGPIRG (Prince George Public Interest Research Groups). Although the program is not currently in effect, this is only temporary, allowing it to expand and provide more waste management solutions in the longterm. When the program is up and running, green composting bins can be found on campus. you’d be surprised at how much of your waste is easily composted! Materials you can compost include cardboard, coffee grounds/filters, vegetable and fruit waste, dryer lint, eggshells, feathers, grass clippings, dry leaves, pine cones/needles, plant trimmings, straw and hay, teabags and sawdust.  With this is mind, however, the UNBC composting program asks that you avoid composting meat, fish, dairy, oils, and diseased plants.

The composting project would not be possible without its incredibly hard-working volunteers, and there are many volunteer opportunities available for those who are interested. These are varied and include everything from physical labour to brainstorming—no matter what your skill set is, you can help!

http://pgpirg.unbc.ca/compost.htm