The Counseling Corner
By Rev. Judith T. Lester, B.Min. M.Th
“God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them reflecting our nature. So, they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle, And, yes, Earth itself…’” – Gen. 1:26 (MSG)
One of the purposes humans were created was to care for God’s creation. This month, this writer’s focus is to encourage you to embrace your caregiving role and show appreciation by protecting and preserving our environment by taking responsibility of stewarding and sustaining God’s resources. This week we will continue with composting: its benefits and how to compost at home. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, there are many benefits of composting:
• Enriches soil, helping retain moisture and suppress plant diseases and pests.
• Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and fungi that break down organic matter to create humus, a rich nutrient-filled material.
• Reduces methane emissions from landfills and lowers your carbon footprint.
Composting at home
There are many different ways to make a compost pile; we have provided the following for general reference. Helpful tools include pitchforks, square-point shovels or machetes, and water hoses with a spray head. Regular mixing or turning of the compost and some water will help maintain the compost.
Backyard composting
1. Select a dry, shady spot near a water source for your compost pile or bin.
2. Add brown and green materials as they are collected, making sure larger pieces are chopped or shredded.
3. Moisten dry materials as they are added.
Once your compost pile is established, mix grass clippings and green waste into the pile and bury fruit and vegetable waste under 10 inches of compost material.
Optional: Cover top of compost with a tarp to keep it moist. When the material at the bottom is dark and rich in color, your compost is ready to use.
Indoor composting
If you do not have space for an outdoor compost pile, you can compost materials indoors using a special type of bin, which you can buy at a local hardware store, gardening supplies store, or make yourself. Remember to tend your pile and keep track of what you throw in. A properly managed compost bin will not attract pests or rodents and will not smell bad. Your compost should be ready in two to five weeks.
Next Week: Conclusion
The writer does not assume responsibility or liability for any injury, loss or damage incurred in any way for readers’ efforts to apply, rely or utilize information or recommendations made in these articles. Rather, the objective is strictly informative and educational. If you would like to contact Rev. Lester, write her c/o P.O. Box 121, Brookfield, WI. 53008.