CHALLENGE 16 – Balcony Composting
Composting without a garden is possible!
The goal of challenge #16:
- Research solutions for garden-less composting
- Start a balcony compost
- Supporting Sustainable Development Goal 12
The laugh that is the landfill!
Let’s be honest, whoever came up with the idea of simply collecting rubbish and burying it in the ground as a solution to the problem of waste was pretty short sighted. Perhaps it seemed like a feasible option back then, but with a world population of 7.7 billion, which is growing at a frightening rate (Visit one of the many population counters to see for yourself), and our rapidly changing consumption habits, the risks of allowing this to continue are far too high. Plus, I like to think we are wise enough as a human race to come up with better solutions and behaviours. 😉
One of the seemingly great things about living in developed countries is the level of infrastructure we have, yet absolutely take for granted, rubbish collection being a perfect example. The avoidance and management of waste is a hugely complex one, but it is clear that we all need to start giving more thought to where the rubbish that leaves our homes goes. Depending where you are in the world, there is a high chance that yours is being carted off to a location where it is causing a whole load of issues for the people and environment there, and is likely to have a negative impact on yourself sooner or later.
Imagine this scenario for 30 seconds:
Your local rubbish collection company goes on strike – for a month!
How would it look directly outside your home, on the streets where you live, in parks, rivers and the wider surroundings? How would it smell? What nature would leave or perhaps arrive because of it?
Time for some considerate composting
With an estimated 60% of our non-recyclable rubbish in Europe being biodegradable, composting is surely something many of us can consider, in order to take more responsibility for our household waste. Last summer, I brought the garden compost heap back to life at Dennis’ grandma’s house. Doing this made me realise just how much of our non-recyclable rubbish consisted of bio-degradable waste. Over several months we saw our standard rubbish reduce by an estimated 65-70%.
We now find ourselves in an apartment, where we had to say goodbye to the garden, and hello to a balcony … so this challenge was all about starting my first balcony compost. Whilst space is limited, I figure doing something is certainly better than nothing. As I am just getting started, I am taking a trial and error approach. I hope to be able to update this blog post in some months with personal tips.
For now, here are the basics for how to get started. Below you will find a few article and video links from more experience fellows than myself.
What do I need for composting?
A container with holes in it, allowing air in (+ possibility to add more if necessary)
Some earth, dried leaves or shredded paper
Your compostables – starting with fruit and veggie peels
A tool to turn the mass, helping air circulate for the breaking-down process
Some good old patiences
Helpful links for balcony composting
How I compost in my apartment balcony in Dubai – YouTube video from Bincyness
How To Compost in a Small Balcony: Zero-Cost & Zero-Smell in 40 Days – From The Better India
How To Make Your Own Indoor Compost Bin – From Apartment Therapy
How to Start Composting in an Apartment Balcony – From Balcony Garden Web
Let me know if you have experience or tips yourself!
Thanks for reading
Your Better Me Greener
Charlotte
