Changes for a Sustainable New Year: Embracing Composting
As the New Year begins, many of us are inspired to adopt resolutions that improve our lives and the planet. Among the most impactful changes you can make is embracing composting; a simple yet powerful habit that transforms waste into a valuable resource. Here's how you can shift your habits to make composting an instinct!
How to change your disposal habits
Shift Your Perspective on Waste
Composting begins with a mindset shift. Instead of viewing kitchen scraps and yard clippings as trash, see them as resources. Banana peels, coffee grounds, vegetable trimmings, and even pizza boxes can have a second life as compost! This change in perspective is the first step toward sustainable habits. Once you start feeling bad for throwing your orange peels in a plastic bag, you know you have made progress. We composing fanatics sometimes pocket our organics until we can utilize a compost bin!
Know the basics
Understand the basics of what can and cannot be composted. Know that there are exceptions to these rules including composting method used and technological advancement. We all need to start somewhere, so just get a general feel for what composting is all about. This will give you a foundation to build your knowledge.
If it once grew, you can compost it.
If you eat any part, you can compost it.
If it is man-made, do not compost it.
Find what’s right for you
Missoula Compost makes it easy for everyone in the community to compost with curbside composting. Minimal effort is required to make a meaningful difference when utilizing our services. With a wide variety of affordable service offerings and accepted material, Missoula Compost is a well-rounded choice! However, we know that although we can serve everyone, we may not always be the best fit. Here are all the composting options available in Missoula. Find what is right for your lifestyle!
Missoula Compost
Locally owned and operated compost collection service
Weekly services or one-time curbside collection options
Customizable services
Utilize industrial composting
Wise variety of accepted materials (meat, dairy, compostable certified human-made material)
No collection size limitation
Garden City Compost
City-owned industrial composting facility
Drop off compost at the source
Variety of accepted materials (meat, dairy, compostable certified human-made material)
Soil Cycle
Biweekly collections or drop-off location options
Human-powered composing
Standard material accepted (NO meat, dairy, or compostable certified human-made material)
Limited collection size
Do-it-Yourself
Personal compost
Standard material accepted (NO meat, dairy, or compostable certified human-made material)
Limited Collection
Increased effort
4. Commit to the habit: Set yourself up for success
Changing your habits without changing your environment can be very challenging. Make it harder to fall back into old habits by adjusting your surroundings. For example, place your trash bin in an inconvenient location to discourage one-bin disposal. Position your compost bin where food waste is most often generated—by the cutting board, on the kitchen counter, or under the sink. Print out a compost guide and keep it in a convenient spot for quick reference. Set reminders to take out the compost on collection day to establish a reliable routine. Small changes like this make composting easier to integrate into your daily routine.
Involve family and friends in your composting efforts by sharing your goals and encouraging them to adopt positive disposal habits and to help keep you accountable. Not only will this help them learn about composting, but it also amplifies your impact and fosters a shared sense of responsibility.
Celebrate your progress, no matter how small! Change takes time, so be patient with yourself and others. Small actions and consistent reminders build toward long-term success. Mistakes will happen; don’t let them discourage you. You’re on the right track, and every step forward is a step in the right direction!
5. Overcome Common Barriers
Every change comes with challenges. Barriers, both internal and external, can stand in the way of achieving your goals. For instance, some people may want to compost but feel they don’t have enough space. Others worry about pests and odors or feel they lack the time to compost. Some may even question whether their small daily contributions can make a real difference.
If you’re facing space limitations, consider alternatives like curbside compost collection or drop-off services. Volunteer at Garden City Harvest to get your hands in the dirt and scratch that itch! Concerned about pests and odors? Try using bear-resistant bins, keeping your bin indoors, freezing animal attractants until collection day, or utilizing drop-off locations. To manage odors and moisture, try adding carbon-rich materials like cardboard, sawdust, or brown paper to the bottom of your bin. These materials will balance out the nitrogen-rich, odor-causing, materials by soaking up excess moisture and trapping odors. Most barriers have work around, sometimes it is as easy as removing them, other times it is important to change our perspective to find alternative solutions to meet our core needs.
Remember, small actions can lead to significant change. Believe in the power of community and the cumulative impact of the choices you make every day. Everyone faces unique obstacles, but with persistence and creativity, these barriers can be overcome!
Know that we at Missoula Compost, along with others in our community, are here to support you every step of the way.
6. Keep your eye on the goal
Composting doesn’t just reduce waste, it builds awareness about the resources we consume and discard. By making composting part of your New Year’s resolutions, you’re not just changing your behavior; you’re contributing to a healthier planet, bit by bit!
As you plan your goals for the year, consider how you can integrate composting into your life. Together, small individual changes can lead to a significant collective impact. Here’s to a New Year of sustainable choices and greener habits!
Your friends at Missoula Compost
