Worm composting
MOM WAS RIGHT, YOU'RE GONNA GET WORMS
You need worms, and not just any worms - Red Wrigglers. Sexy. Unfortunately, you can't go dig these supplies up in the backyard. Just like you, they're special. We've done some research and these are our worm recommendations:
THIS IS NOT A DRILL
It's a lifestyle, and yes, at this point in your life you should have your own set of power tools beyond your compost materials list. If you're not there yet, find your DIY friend (start with the one who keeps posting pictures of their home improvement projects) and ask them if they’ll loan you theirs.
Our recommendations:
- Black and Decker - Classic and it'll last forever
- Dewalt- Slightly more expensive, equally badass
- Okay you can probably use some nail scissors or a knife, but seriously you're an adult.
THE PLASTICS
If you don't get the Mean Girls reference, you don't deserve it. According to our Compost QUEEN Rebecca Louie, you can make a compost out of any plastic container. For beginners like us, think Rubbermaid plastic tubs or 5 gallon buckets. To find the right size container for you, check out our Posty Calc. Ideally, try to use something you already have. If not, use this as an excuse to surf the aisles of Amazon. (Yes, yes, we're all trying to quit)
If you’re trying to keep this project as sustainable as possible, we recommend taking the time to scour Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for compost materials. Or if you'd like to skip a few steps, check out our ready made Posty options. As always, use the buddy system when meeting internet strangers.
YOU'VE MADE YOUR BED
Now put your worms to sleep in it. We Googled it, worms don’t technically sleep, but you get the point. Lucky for your wallet, you don’t need 400 thread count sheets. Carbon's what these little guys need to feel snug. Carbon = paper materials = browns. All those cringe-worthy love letters, depressing W-2’s and that report your boss hated.
Shred 'em.
Our guidelines:
- Nothing glossy or waxy (aka magazines are a no)
- Avoid heavily bleached or processed items
- New Besties= Newspapers, cardboard & paper towels
JUST A LITTLE SPRITZ
We all want the rose gold spray bottle from the Target Home section, but we’re trying to use sustainable supplies here! Chances are you've got an old cleaning bottle laying around. Wash that baby out and you're good to go.
COMPARTMENTALIZE FOOD, NOT FEELINGS
Get creative. Old jars, Tupperware that’s housed red sauce one too many times, plastic packaging from a steady flow of take out - you've got the supplies. These containers will store your compost materials AKA your kitchen scraps and soon to be worm food.
Things to keep in mind:
- Small Portions - 2 cups of food per pound of worms
- Freezer Space - I mean.. think about how much you eat
- Semi Durable - Freezing and thawing takes a toll
RUB SOME DIRT ON IT
Get sneaky. You don't have a backyard? Neither do we.
What we do have is access to public parks, flowerbeds, maybe even some house plants? All you need to get that compost moving is a scoop! Do you have a friend with a garden? Ask them for some soil. If you’re lucky you might even get a free handful with your worms. When all else fails, you can purchase supplies at any hardware store or greenhouse.
Hot composting
THE BUCK STARTS HERE
You need two, count them two, five gallon buckets with lids. You can of course find these at any hardware store but they're also plentiful on Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for next to nothing. If you have the option to go BPA free its always recommended.
2. Buy in bulk and share with friends
3. Skip these steps and buy a ready made Posty Bucket
REALLY DRILLING THIS ONE HARD
Are you noticing a supplies trend? Some higher power reaching out and... telling you to buy a drill because you're an adult. Maybe you should listen.
- Black and Decker - Classic and it'll last forever
- Dewalt- Slightly more expensive, equally badass
- Maybe skip the makeshift tools with this one and phone and friend
STICKS AND STONES
Don't hate on twigs. You're gonna need them. Scope out public park, garden and grab a few handfuls of supplies. These guys will be the base of your soon to be booming compost!
THINGS HAVE GOTTEN DIRTY
What can we say? Sometimes things get repetitive. To get your compost going you'll need a few scoops of dirt. This get the microbes moving and accelerates the decomposition. As always get sneaky- public parks, flowerbeds, maybe even some house plants? All you need to get that compost moving is a scoop! Do you have a friend with a garden? Ask them for some soil. If you’re lucky you might even get a free handful with your worms. When all else fails, you can purchase supplies at any hardware store or greenhouse.
BROWNS
These are your "browns" or carbon elements, you can use paper, as long as it isn't glossy or waxy. But the fun doesn't need to stop there. You can also use dried leaves, grass clippings and more! Be sure to stock up on these materials, as they'll be making up the majority of you bin.
ROCK ON
This serves as a little extra security against outdoor critters looking for a snack. Sure, we'd like to dive face first into a free all you can eat buffet, but that's just not the way the cookie crumbles. To avoid unwanted pests chowing down on your compost place a heavy rock on top of your lid to deter free loaders. If rock aren't accessible scope out heavy supplies that can withstand some time outdoors.