Pet Worms and Composting

I have a container of worms that live in my apartment. That's right, WORMS. 

Trust me I was a little grossed out about it at first. Especially when Andrew first moved them into our apartment and they began escaping and crawling around our kitchen floor. I never imagined the words, "Andrew the worms got out again!", coming out of my mouth, nor becoming comfortable picking them up and putting them back in their home. Luckily, that phase didn't last long and our rebellious worms became comfortable in their new living environment.

My point to the worm story is that they make a great "ingredient" to a composting bin! Apparently their, for lack of a better word, poop is a great fertilizer for plants which Andrew informed me when he initially moved our new roommates into the apartment. 

Having the worm bin eventually transitioned into creating a compost bin. Which I have become to love! 

As a young couple just starting out our financial situation isn't always ideal and the idea of wasting food and the money we used to buy it by just throwing it in the garbage and sending it off to the dump is unbearable. So I do as much as I can to remember to empty all of our food scraps into the bin so that we can use it in our garden come spring time once the snow has melted. (All you people who are enjoying snow-less springtime on this April Fools day suck, no offense)

Making your own compost bin is super easy! If you live in an apartment like we do all you need is a small bucket or bin depending on how big your apartment is and how much space you want it to take up. Andrew put his in a small tote, this is what it looks like.

I just stash it away underneath our kitchen table. Right in between the recycling bin and crock pot apparently. Note to self, put the crock pot away. Easily accessible for all my composting needs.

Here's what the inside looks like! 

If you are going the worm route, like we have, you want to put a good base of paper scraps towards the bottom and keep it a little moist. Also not too many fruits because of all the acid. I try to put as many scraps as I can but usually check with Andrew to make sure it is safe for the worms when I am unsure. 

Don't know what to do with the extras from your veggies? Throw them right in the compost bin, too! Andrew also puts his used up soil from his house plants and seedlings that didn't grow properly. Pretty much anything will do. I actually plan on throwing in my cucumber skins and coffee grounds that I used up earlier once I am done writing this blog. The more you mix it up and add to it, the richer the compost will become.

Then you just set it and forget it! I will say that we were getting some fruit flies for awhile but they have disappeared on their own, but I will do some more research and keep you updated on that one. 

Overall, I highly recommend a composting bin. It just feels good knowing your recycling your food to make more food! It's a great start to a sustainable lifestyle!

(also if your landlord wont allow you to have pets so the worms are all you have, haha)

If I missed anything or you want to tell me how you compost send us a message or comment! We would love hearing how other people recycle and re-use. Like I said in our last post this a journey to learn and grow, so feedback is more than welcome!

I hope you all had a great April Fool's Day and stay tuned for more posts!