Seriously. Compost Now.
Composting. I confess I didn’t fully understand why, what, when and where until quite recently. It’s one of those terms thrown around that you feel like you understand until someone asks you to explain it- in detail. And then out comes, “Um yea so dirt and then food worms and mixing makes happy soil and animal poop?” Kind of… There is actually a lot to it but you don’t have to learn it all in one day!
So, with high hopes that I can one day explain it accurately to another human being, I’ve taken a quick peak around the greater New Orleans area to learn more and get in on the action. Kali Benbrooks of Compost Now was kind enough to answer some of the basic questions for me! Here’s what I got so far:
1) What is composting and why is it so important for the nola community?
Composting is the process of breaking down organic matter, such as leaves and food scraps, to create nutrient rich soil. Composting is important for every community because it keeps unnecessary items out of landfills which reduces methane gas emissions, helps with water retention in our land and soil, and provides nutrient rich soil for gardening and farming.
2) Do you have recommendations on an at home compost container for inside and/or outside use? Specific brands?
Because compost systems can be so costly and there are so many options to choose from, Compost NOW started making and selling affordable indoor worm bins and outdoor compost tumbler bins that are extremely easy to use and great for beginners. Visit compost-now.org/shop to learn more.
3) Why do we have to freeze it and what specifically do you recommend freezing it in?
Our agreement with the local farms, businesses, and public spaces that we partner with is that food scraps must be frozen to avoid potential smells, roaches, and rodents. We never want to invite unwanted guests to these spaces! Also, freezing your scraps means no smell, fruit flies, roaches or rodents for you at home. PLUS freezing breaks down the cell membrane, speeding up the decomposition process meaning an easier job for the farms we donate scraps to. It’s a win-win-win for everyone!
You can freeze your scraps in any container of choice but we strongly recommend using a reusable container. Simply put the container in the freezer, add your scraps throughout the week, then pop the lid on when it's time to drop it off. Bendable, flexible materials like tupperware are easiest to empty out because you can wiggle and jiggle them around if something gets stuck inside.
4) How can we help your organization and the idea of composting in general gain more momentum in NOLA?
One great way to help increase the amount of food waste being diverted from the landfill is by spreading the word about Compost NOW's daily food waste drop off options by encouraging people to "like" our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. We post daily updates about the different sites around New Orleans, on both the East Bank and the West Bank, and information about composting. We can always use volunteers to host collections as well which is a great way to learn about composting and meet people in the area with similar interests!
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Also good info….
WHAT TO COMPOST: fruit and vegetable scraps (peels, pits, seeds), eggshells, nut shells, seed shells, tea bags, coffee grounds, filters, plain grains, plain pasta or plain bread in a paper or compostable bag or bring scraps in a reusable container.NO MEAT, NO BONES, NO DAIRY, NO OILY FOODS.
WHERE TO COMPOST: I like Monday drop off- here’s a list of places that collect on Monday. Note it has to be at the times specified and updates are noted to Compost Now facebook page.
Uptown - Audubon Park @ The Golf Club- 6500 Magazine St- 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Gentilly Terrace - Fincacita Treasure - 2760 Treasure Street New Orleans, LA - 2:00PM - 6:00PM
Westbank - Sugar Roots Farm- 10701 Willow Drive - 9:00AM - 3:30PM
DROP OFF SCHEDULE: https://www.compost-now.org/drop-off-schedule