Composting in the kitchen.

At Cura Kitchen, we're a local healthy meal prep company taking steps to reduce our waste and improve our community. All the vegetables you receive don't come from the ground looking perfectly cooked, cut, and seasoned. As you know, there are steps to produce the perfectly portioned broccoli crown and many of those steps involve removing the parts most people don't want to eat. Instead of throwing the plant waste in the trash, destined to find a landfill, we're choosing to compost our waste and find local partners who can benefit from the nutrient-rich compost. Stay tuned to find out who we partner with :)

Why should you try composting?

Composting is easy and is a small change you can incorporate into your daily routine. There are many reasons to start composting but lets start with just two.

Composting leads to a decrease in waste, reliance on landfills, and the production of greenhouse gases.

The average American creates 1,600 pounds of waste per year. Only 34% is recycled and 13% is burned, with the rest sent to landfills. Food scraps make up 22% of this waste and cause greenhouse gas emissions when decomposing in the landfill. Composting, which is the natural way of breaking down organic matter, reduces waste sent to landfills and cuts greenhouse gas emissions.

Composting returns crucial nutrients to the soil.

Composting makes soil better for plant growth by adding organic matter, improving its structure and texture. It helps retain water, air, and nutrients and reduces runoff and erosion. Composting also helps return vital vitamins and minerals to the soil. The benefits of healthy soil can be seen in crops that are more nutritious than in the past. Compost contains beneficial organisms that improve soil structure and create a fertile environment for plants - just see what the EPA has to say.

How to Compost at Home

Step 1: Gather your materials!

You'll need a mix of "brown" and "green" materials to make a healthy compost pile. "Brown" materials include things like dried leaves, twigs, and shredded paper. "Green" materials are things like fruit and vegetable scraps, grass clippings, and coffee grounds.
You can head to a Phoenix Transfer station and grab a composting bin for $5! Learn more here

Step 2: Choose a location for your compost bin or pile.

A good spot for your compost pile is somewhere close to your kitchen for easy access and should be in a sunny spot.

Step 3: Start layering your compost materials!

Alternate layers of "brown" and "green" materials, starting with a layer of "brown" on the bottom. Add in some soil to introduce helpful microorganisms. Sprinkle water over the layers to keep them moist.

Step 4: Keep turning your compost pile regularly.

Regularly turning your compost pile (once a week is ideal) helps to ensure that all materials get broken down evenly and encourages the process of decomposition.

Step 5: Wait for the magic to happen!

With the right balance of moisture, air, and the right mix of materials, your compost pile will start to heat up and decompose. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, but the end result is nutrient-rich compost that you can use in your garden!

Step 6: Use your compost!

Once your compost is fully decomposed, it will have a rich, earthy smell and a crumbly texture. You can use it as a soil amendment to give your plants the nutrients they need to thrive.

Composting is a fun and rewarding hobby that helps reduce waste and promotes sustainability. So go ahead and give it a try!