In the fight against climate change, every small action counts. One of the most effective ways you can make a positive impact is by composting your food waste.
Not only does composting reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, it also creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used in gardens and potted plants. This process enriches soil, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and keeps organic waste out of landfills, thereby cutting down on methane emissions. Composting also adds essential nutrients to the soil and helps retain moisture, promoting better plant growth.
With advancements in technology, modern home composting systems like Lomi, Mill, and Airthereal have made it easier than ever to get started. In this guide, CleanChoice Energy reviews the benefits and usage of these systems, along with tips for effective composting for beginners.
Beginner Composting Tips: Ways to Fight Food Waste
Composting is a simple and effective way to combat food waste, and this beginner’s guide to composting will help you get started. It involves recycling organic materials, such as food scraps, into nutrient-rich soil.
When composting, you are free to use a variety of materials. Greens, which are nitrogen-rich, include fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, tea leaves, fresh grass clippings, flowers, corn cobs, and garden waste. Browns, which provide carbon, include dry leaves, branches, twigs, straw, hay, shredded paper, eggshells, and woodchips. However, you should avoid composting some items, such as meat, fish, dairy, oils, pet waste, shiny paper, chemically treated yard waste, plastic, metal, or glass.
The method you choose for composting at home depends on your living situation. For those in urban areas with no outdoor space, such as an apartment, a worm bin (vermicomposting) is ideal. When managed properly, it is easy to maintain, stays odor-free, and produces compost that can be used for indoor plants. If a worm bin isn’t suitable, check for local composting programs. If you have a small outdoor space, such as a patio or balcony, a worm bin or an outside compost tumbler can be used. Compost tumblers are efficient, easy to turn and mix, and protect the compost from animals. Those with a yard can opt for a worm bin, compost tumbler, or a larger enclosed bin, with the added convenience of keeping a small kitchen bin for collecting scraps before transferring them to the outdoor compost bin. By choosing the right method for your space, you can easily reduce food waste and enrich your soil.
The Lomi Composter
How It Works
The Lomi composter makes composting as simple as possible. Here’s how you can use it:
- Fill Your Bucket: Add your food scraps, coffee grounds, plant clippings, and other organic waste into your Lomi.
- Press One Button: Select your cycle with the touch of a button and let Lomi do the rest.
- Use Your Lomi Earth: The resulting compost, known as Lomi Earth, can be used for your plants or garden or added to your organic bin.
CleanChoice Energy Reviews The Benefits of Lomi
Lomi simplifies the composting process, making it quicker and more efficient than traditional methods. This allows you to take composting off your chore list, making a convenient reduction from your daily routine. Another significant benefit is that Lomi eliminates the risk of bugs and pests. Traditional composting can sometimes attract unwanted insects, but Lomi’s design ensures your kitchen remains free from these nuisances. Additionally, Lomi helps in minimizing the amount of waste that ends up in your trash can and, subsequently, the landfill. By reducing your household waste, you’re making a substantial positive impact on the environment. In reviews, CleanChoice Energy found that Lomi ensures a smell-free composting experience thanks to its advanced technology, and its sleek design adds a modern touch to your kitchen, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Lomi Pricing
- Lomi 1.3: The original white model starts at $299.00.
- Lomi 2: The newest model offers improved cycles and a better app experience, available in multiple colors starting at $499.00.
The Mill Composter
How It Works
The Mill composter is designed for effortless use with intelligent technology. Here’s how you can get started:
- Powerful Dry & Grind System: The dual grinding system can handle everything from small bones to avocado pits, with an aluminum bucket for fast drying. It reduces food volume by 80% and can process around 40lbs of wet food.
- Intelligent Cycles: Mill’s smart cycles are energy-efficient and adapt to the amount of food you put in. Integrated sensors and algorithms determine how to achieve the quickest runtime.
- Odor Filtration: The activated charcoal filters, made from upcycled coconut shells, absorb all odors and can last up to a year.
CleanChoice Energy Reviews the Benefits of Mill
The Mill composter stands out for its efficiency and convenience. With a generous 6.5L capacity, it can go through dozens of cycles before needing to be emptied, which means less frequent maintenance. This composter adapts to your needs with intelligent cycles that automatically adjust based on the amount of food waste added, ensuring optimal energy use and efficiency. It operates quietly at around 42 dB, making it as discreet as the soft hum in a library. Another notable feature is its hands-free access, which makes it incredibly easy to use with a simple pedal mechanism. In reviews, CleanChoice Energy found that Mill’s state-of-the-art odor filtration system ensures that your kitchen remains odor-free, as the activated charcoal filters effectively absorb any unpleasant smells. The filters are made from upcycled coconut shells, aligning with sustainable practices. Users can choose to use the compost at home or opt for Mill pickups to contribute to local farms, offering flexibility in compost management.
Mill Pricing
You can pay over time at $19.77/month or purchase outright for $949, with both options including a one-year supply of charcoal filters.
Airthereal’s Revive Electric Kitchen Composter
How It Works
Airthereal’s Revive Electric Kitchen Composter is straightforward and efficient. Here’s how it works:
- Fill Waste: Add your food scraps into the 2.5L stainless steel container.
- Power On: Press the Start button and let the composter do the work.
- Organic Fertilizer: Use the resulting organic fertilizer to enrich your soil.
CleanChoice Energy Reviews the Benefits of Airthereal
Airthereal’s Revive composter offers a significant reduction in waste volume, shrinking it by 90%, which means less frequent emptying and more efficient composting. The simplicity of its one-button operation makes it especially user-friendly, perfect for those new to composting or looking for a hassle-free solution. Its SHARKSDEN Tri-Blade ensures efficient breakdown of food scraps, contributing to the quick composting process. The odor-reducing carbon filter keeps your kitchen free from unpleasant smells, making the composting process more pleasant. In reviews, CleanChoice Energy found that the compact design allows it to fit seamlessly into any kitchen space without being obtrusive. Airthereal’s commitment to the environment is evident in its earth-friendly packaging. The stainless steel container is easy to clean, ensuring the system remains hygienic and efficient.
Airthereal Pricing
The Airthereal Revive is available for $349.99 in gray or white.
Composting is a simple yet impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment. With modern composters like the three featured here in CleanChoice Energy’s reviews, starting your composting journey has never been easier.