chance to get at chores Peggy Trendell- Whittaker wf AES COMPOSTING IS one of those ‘“‘got to get 0 it” chores that many people put off. It’s inspiring how creative some of us can be when searching for excuses to procrastinate on a household task, often using up more mental energy in rationaliza- tions than it would take to actual- ly go and do the chore under discussion. This 1 know from personal ex- perience. However, with Canada’s En- vironment Week starting Sunday, June 6 this is the time to get down to some of the eco-chores we may have been neglecting. If getting a compost bin started has been the albatross around your neck, the following five tips should make the subject easier to approach, Clip it for a novice composter if your pile is already well under way. If you’d like more information on composting, visit the Compost Demonstration Gardens at 15th and Argyle in West Van, or in the Park and Tilford Garden in North Van. You can also call the Compost Hotline for advice (736-2250), or request a copy of the GVRD's Guide to Home Composting by calling 432-6339. Good tuck! Step One: Composting can cut down your houschold waste by one-third, and it’s not even difficult to begin. THE KITCHEN OF THE MONTH shies ark Onee you've purchased of con- sMructed a radent-resistant bin, simply add ‘green’ waste and “brown” waste in roughly equi proportion, Green waste is nitrogen-rich miatterial dike fresh grass clippings. Brown waste is carbon-rich miate- rial like fallen leaves, hay and sawdust, Into these layers you can dix your kitchen scraps, and then you're well on your way te muk- ing an earthy compost that will nourish your garden. &@ Step Two: Over 30,000 Lower Mainland families have taken up back-yard composting in the past two years, representing a huge diversion of waste from our landfills and in- cinerator, but with so many added composters in the area, it’s even more important to stop problems before they start by making sure your compost bin isn’t a haven for rats, raccoons or other pests. Don't put meats, fat or grain products in your composter, and purchase a bin that is rodent- resistant, If you're building one yourself, line it) completely with Y-inch galvanized wire mesh. By following those two simple guidelines, you are very likely to keep pests in their place, HB Step Three: How much water is too much, and how much is too little? It's not as complicated as baking a cake, but there is a recipe for making compost. Along with your kitchen scraps and yard waste, water is an im- portant factor in compost produe- tion. A compost that is too wet may smell; a compost that's too dry won't decompose very quickly. Your compost should have the moisture content of a wrung-out sponge, so if yours is too soggy, it’s time to toss in some dry yard trimmings. if it's too dry, add some fresh grass of some water. Hi Step Four: We all need air to live, and so do the bacteria and other organ- isms that do the work in your compost pile. Depending on your bin, it can be awkward to turn your compost materials with a shovel, so many people create their own ‘‘compost tool for aerating their compost. This can be an old ski pole, or a garden hoe. All you have to do is Use it fo churn up your compast ona weekly basis, This will not only help to speed the rate of decomposition, it will reduce the likelihood of — bad odors, M Step Five: One of the biggest questions people ask when they buy a new compost bin is, “How long before the compost will be ready?" As with many of life’s important questions, there is no easy answer, If you site your bin in a semi- sunny, well-drained location and are conscious of what kinds of materials you put in it, you can produce finished compost in as little as four months. See Reduce page 21 baby with HS | NEW: Exclusive Knee Lifter PRO LINE” Sew Like A Pro Baby Lock is proud to announce Q1S, the first and only quick threading system for a serger! Simp- ly push a lever andi the lower loorer is threaded, turn the dial and the needles ore threaded! No more (rustralion. It's quick and easy. * Rent Io Own ® Only $50 Per Month * Free Lassons * 3 Mo. 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