One of the most delightful things about compost is that I can turn a bad meal into gold. Black gold, actually. That’s what compost is, black, sticky, sweet-smelling gold. It’s alchemy. Anything that you’ve kept too long, overcooked, let wilt, has mold, looks wizened, etc., can be put into the compost bin or pile and will eventually be given new life. Exceptions, of course: no meat or dairy products for various reasons, not the least of which is rummaging animals with acute senses of smell and dexterous paws. But much of what you eat can be turned, like magic, into precious compost. Add dry leaves and grass from time to time for needed carbon and nitrogen. They’re free!
Richard, thank you for this post. I share your feelings about composting. I cannot stand throwing away food. To know that my vegetable peels will turn back into soil under my eyes rather than rot inside a trash bag makes me feel better. I built a composting bin out of wooden pallets. Our dog never misses a chance to stop and sniff around it. Just like you, she knows something really good is going on in there.
Great piece Richard! And of course, in our world, your wishes are someone's command:
How human composting could reduce death's carbon footprint
https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/07/world/human-composting-natural-organic-reduction-scn-lbg/index.html
Richard, thank you for this post. I share your feelings about composting. I cannot stand throwing away food. To know that my vegetable peels will turn back into soil under my eyes rather than rot inside a trash bag makes me feel better. I built a composting bin out of wooden pallets. Our dog never misses a chance to stop and sniff around it. Just like you, she knows something really good is going on in there.
You are obviously really good at compost-making. Another skill to add to the long-list. Last week, comedy!
Isn't French dirt just your basic compost, à la française?