The world is at an irreversible stage of climate change. Many articles and news reports on Global Warming, climate related issues and other ecological concerns are deeply drenched in hopelessness and defeat for people who care for the future sustainability of life on earth. The well being of our families and the various cultures of the entire world depend on responsible use and care of the resources we have today. What if instead of complaining, worrying and adding further damage during these times of research, people began to take action? Informed and motivated citizens would have a better chance of tackling the issues that are impacting the earth. At the very least, composting is one way of not contributing to the further demise of our natural world. Taking action can start in individual homes, communities and even in large cities. By composting, a form of recycling in which organic materials are decomposed, people can make small lifestyle changes that lower their carbon footprints. This could have a ripple effect on the carbon footprint of communities at large and therefore impact the world for the positive. There are many different types of composting. There may be one that could suit any home or community willing to learn. There are many viable options for what can be done with the composted material afterwards. The aim of communities should be to waste nothing, reduce unnecessary production and transportation emissions, and be as self-sustainable as possible. Composting is a good and even simple place to start. .
Before deciding to compost, it is important to know what is involved in the process. In its simplest terms, composting is recycling organic materials (Galloway). Compost is created when organic materials and wastes are broken down and decomposed. This process allows vitamins and nutrients to go back into soil to promote new growth. If the composted materials are kept in a contained space, eventually the material makes a nutrient rich "compost" paste called hummus (EPA 1).
