Avocados

There is absolutely no reason an avocado pit and avocado skins cannot be added to your compost pile. But, as stated above, throwing them into your pile without proper preparation will not yield the fastest or most successful results.

To prepare avocado pits and skins for composting, it is absolutely essential that these items be chopped into the smallest pieces possible. This can be accomplished in a haphazard fashion with a sharp knife.  However, this method is not only inefficient, but it’s also dangerous. Avocado skins and pits can be slimy and slippery, and using a knife puts you at great risk of cutting yourself. The perfect solution to this problem is the Green Cycler. This device was designed to handle difficult items such as avocado skins and pits – - it chops them into perfect-sized pieces that are ready for composting in mere seconds. (Just make sure to use a back and forth cranking motion when using the Green Cycler to grind avocado pits and skins – the appliance was designed to handle such items – but just make sure not to force the process too quickly!)

Because even small pieces of chopped avocado skins and pits are sluggish when it comes to breaking down in compost piles, it’s important to not add a significant amount to your pile at any given time. Chopped avocado skins and pits are considered part of the “green” ingredients in compost, so you should mix them into your other kitchen scraps accordingly. If you have a compost pile that is already established, adding your avocado scraps into the middle of the pile will assist in their breakdown.

Citrus

As with avocados, it is definitely possible to add citrus to your compost pile. But it’s important to prepare citrus material in a specific manner so that the decomposition process will not be unnecessarily delayed. The following information will probably sound eerily similar to the tips and instructions listed under the avocado heading of this article! The single most important preparation suggestion is to make sure all citrus rinds and seeds are chopped into the smallest possible pieces before they are added to your compost pile. Again, the best method by which to accomplish this is to utilize the Green Cycler. With a few quick cranks of the handle, the Green Cycler will prepare any type of citrus rind or seed for composting!

Why are small chopped pieces so important?  Because chopping increases the surface area of the organic waste. Greater surface area equates to faster decomposition. Without proper chopping, citrus rinds and seeds take many months to fully integrate into the rest of the composting materials in your pile.

Chopping is Important!

Avocados and citrus are not the only “difficult” organic items you may want to add to your compost pile. But they are good examples of materials that are challenging to prepare properly. The Green Cycler truly makes the preparation process much easier. This video demonstrates how the appliance works and also how simple it is to chop any organic material you may encounter!

The U.S. Composing Council (USCC) recently announced the launch of this campaign, which aims to “boost the soil health and growing power of community gardens across the country, while also growing healthy, fresh food for food pantries.”

To start the campaign, the USCC will help organize collaborations between compost manufacturers, restaurants/chefs, community gardens, and food pantries. Once the logistics in each community have been set, groups from each of these sectors will work together for the duration of the campaign.

For example, the compost manufacturers will work with community garden supervisors to ensure proper delivery of compost to the correct location. Another example involves a partnership between community garden supervisors and food bank administrators whereby the delivery of fresh tomatoes will ultimately be distributed to in-need individuals and families.

A celebrity chef by the name of Nathan Lyon is getting involved in the campaign as well. Mr. Lyon co-hosts a show on PBS called “Growing a Greener World,” and he also authored a cookbook called “Great Food Starts Fresh.” He has volunteered to provide tomato-based recipes to the people who receive the donated tomatoes through their local food banks.

One of the main facilitators of The Million Tomato Compost Campaign is a website called www.buy-compost.com. This site allows campaign participants to complete an online enrollment form. Included on the form is a list of participating compost producers. Participants can easily evaluate whether or not there are compost producers located in their vicinity. The website also explains the importance of community garden supervisors recording the number of tomatoes that grow in the donated compost because the facilitators of the campaign want to keep track of the total number donated. Their motto is: “We want everyone to know when we hit our 1,000,000 tomato goal….and beyond!”

Are Individual Gardeners Excluded from the Campaign?

The Million Tomato Compost Campaign is designed to assist in the collaboration of compost manufacturers, restaurants/chefs, community gardens, and food pantries. However, the U.S. Composting Council and the website www.buy-compost.com both enthusiastically promote the importance of growing many vegetables at home and using organic compost to build healthy soil, which in turn produces healthier home-grown food. Many home composting tips are located on the www.buy-compost.com site.

In Sum, What are the Overall Goals of the U.S. Composting Council?

• Strives to promote the expansion, development, and promotion of the composting industry.
• Encourages, supports, and performs research related to composting.
• Promotes best management practices for the purpose of composting.
• Establishes composting standards.
• Educates professionals and the public about the benefits of composting and compost utilization.
• Advocates for compost quality.
• Develops training materials for composters.
• Supports other companies/products that produce or manufacture composting-related products.

For individual gardeners and community gardeners alike, make sure to learn more about the Green Cycler. It’s one of the easiest and most effective hand-powered appliances you can use to get started creating successful pre-compost material perfect for any size garden!

Do you believe it? Even if you have your doubts, it’s reasonable to agree that eating a healthy diet is one of the most certain methods of guaranteeing good health and well-being. The easiest way to ensure that you consume the healthiest and freshest foods possible is simple: grow them yourself!

A wellness garden is commonly referred to as a “medicinal garden.” It generally consists of a combination of fundamental plants/herbs that have been known to contain healthy medicinal qualities/properties. Before the advent of modern medicine, humans used super foods and healing herbs to ward off diseases and illnesses. Modern medicine has caused some people to discount the value of super foods and healing herbs, but there is absolutely no denying that certain foods can be truly beneficial to a person’s health!

Following is the Green Cycler’s list of favorite Super Foods and Healing Herbs:

Super Foods

• Garlic – Garlic is known to reduce the risk of developing cancer of the prostate, stomach, colon, and breast. Garlic is also high in Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Zinc.
• Kale – Kale has been dubbed “The Queen of Greens” for a reason. It’s high in iron, fiber, antioxidants, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and calcium. Kale is also low in calories and has no fat.
• Onions – Onions are a very good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin B, biotin, chromium, calcium and dietary fiber. In addition, they contain good amounts of folic acid, and Vitamin K.
• Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are high in Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, and magnesium.
• Tomatoes – Tomatoes are high in Vitamin C., Vitamin B magnesium, phosphorus, thiamin, niacin, folate and potassium.  Tomatoes are also low in calories and fat free.

Other Green Cycler favorite super foods: beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, mustard greens, potatoes, spinach, summer squash, Swiss chard, turnip greens, winter squash, yams.

Healing Herbs

• Aloe – Aloe is known to speed the recovery from injuries such as scars, burns, and cuts. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help boost the immune system, and it can assist the digestive system.
• Echinacea – Echinacea is used by many people to stimulate their immune systems, to prevent infections, and to speed the recovery process of a number of common illnesses.
• Lavender – Lavender contains an essential oil that has the ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect the scalp and skin, enhance blood circulation, and treat respiratory problems.
• Lemon Balm – Lemon balm contains an essential oil that is known for its aromatic therapy qualities. It elicits an uplifting and calming effect in humans. It’s commonly used in skincare therapies and also as an anti-inflammatory.
• Mint – Mint is commonly used to treat stomach aches, chest pains, skin irritations, burns, respiratory infections, and sinus problems.
• Oregano – Oregano is high in Vitamin K, it contains anti-bacterial properties, it’s an antioxidant, it’s high in high in iron and manganese, and it contains a high level of fiber.

Other Green Cycler favorite healing herbs: arrowroot, basil, catnip, chamomile, chives, coriander/cilantro, dill, fennel, ginger, jasmine, parsley, sage, St. John’s wort, rosemary, thyme, and wheat grass.

What are YOU Growing in Your Garden?

Do you have a favorite super food or healing herb growing in your garden? The Green Cycler would like to hear from you! E-mail us at info@thegreencycler.com and we will add your ideas to our list.

Earth day is just around the corner! What’s your Earth Day act of green?

What are your plans for Earth Day? Here at Ecotonix, we will celebrate Earth Day by continuing to spread the word about the Green Cycler. At our company we pledge to live and work by several pro-Earth mottos every single day, but we believe the most important pledge is to prevent food waste. More than just a slogan, our purpose is to: “Change the Earth by Recycling Food Scraps.”

Climate Change

A main focal point of Earth Day 2013 will be “The Face of Climate Change.” This topic is especially important because many people have not yet adopted the viewpoint that climate change is a real and powerful problem. It’s easy to ignore the signs of climate change and it’s common for individuals to dismiss climate change as nothing more than a contentious political debate. But adopting a “this may not be actually happening” attitude is not going to solve the earth’s environmental predicament.

Likewise, it’s can be difficult for individuals to relate to the seriousness of climate change on a daily basis, especially when dealing with hectic daily schedules and all of the complexities involved with personal and professional lives.

But in real life, climate change is something that is currently affecting people, animals, and some of the world’s most recognized and cherished locations. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, climate change is authentic, and it is happening NOW. The truth is that climate change is too big for any one person to tackle alone… but it’s something that can be stopped and/or solved with a collaborative effort.

The EPA stresses the following points on its website:

• Climate change is happening.
• Our Earth is warming.
• Humans are largely responsible for recent climate change.
• Climate change affects everyone.
• Our lives are connected to the climate.
• We can reduce the risks we will face from climate change.
• We can make a difference.
• You can take action.

Commemorating Earth Day and making a commitment to living “greener” is quite simple and does not require drastic measures. Merely acknowledging climate change and making a pledge to be conscious of the environment is simple!

Easy Ideas for Celebrating Earth Day 2013:

•  Use re-usable grocery bags.
• Turn off appliances (including lights) that are not in use.
• Throw recyclable items into a recycling bin instead of a trash can.
• Plant a tree in your yard.
• Get your garden ready for planting.
• Support a local business.
• Talk about environmental issues with children.
• Ride your bike to work.
• Prevent as much food waste as possible.
• Learn more about composting kitchen scraps.

All of the above are simple acts of Green that are gifts to the Earth, but they are just a few ideas. There are hundreds of other small ways that collectively we can all make a difference! We’d love to hear how you plan to spend Earth Day. Let us know by sending an e-mail to info@thegreencycler.com. We will share your great ideas in a future article.

What are the Benefits of Re-Growing Fruit and Vegetable Scraps?

There are dozens of reasons why re-growing food scraps is beneficial to both you and the environment. For example, regenerating fruit and vegetable scraps means less landfill waste, it supplements your food budget, and it also allows you to grow organic food that you know is healthy and nutritious. Additionally, spawning nourishing food from scraps is one of the most environmentally friendly methods of recycling and an excellent teaching activity to share with your kids.

What Will Grow?

There are dozens of fruits and vegetables that can be re-grown. Following is a list of some of the easiest:

• Avocado
• Beets
• Bok Choy
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Green Onions
• Herbs
• Leeks
• Lemon Grass
• Mushrooms
• Pineapple
• Potatoes
• Romaine Lettuce
• Rutabagas
• Scallions
• Turnips

How to Get Started

Depending on the specific fruit and/or vegetable you are planning to revive, there are plenty of tips and tricks to help your plant reach its maximum potential. The following articles contain lots of information on how to give your fruit and vegetable scraps the proper jump start into their new life!

• 16 Foods That’ll Re-Grow From Kitchen Scraps
• How to Grow Vegetables and Fruits From Kitchen Scraps
• Vegetables You Can Grow From Food Scraps
• Growing Vegetable Plants From Kitchen Scraps
• How to Start a Vegetable Garden From Kitchen Scraps

Don’t Forget To Compost The Rest!
Regenerating your unused fruit and vegetable scraps into plants that will ultimately produce a second or third generation of food is an exciting proposition. Besides being a quicker alternative to growing plants from seeds, the process is both simple and rewarding. Of course, there are always inedible rinds and skins headed from your cutting board to the compost or trash can and the quickest way to repurpose them is by pre-composting. Drop your absolutely unusable bits of fruits and vegetables into a Green Cycler or chop them into quarter-sized bits. Pre-composted organic material is perfect for directly amending to your garden or potting soil, or for feeding your worm bin.

This season, set your recycling goal high and add re-growing food scraps to your springtime activities.

In order to learn about lasagna composting, you must switch your mindset from thinking of a yummy Italian meal to thinking about the method by which lasagna is put together – - and then applying that method to putting together a compost pile.

Lasagna composting is one of the easiest composting techniques around, and it can be successfully accomplished by just about anyone. Just as with preparing actual lasagna that you would eat, lasagna compost is a simple project to undertake as long as you include a loose variation in the correct type of ingredients. Besides its simplicity, lasagna composting is achievable in almost any location – including sloped, dry, and rocky areas!

Following are Six Simple Steps to Creating Lasagna Compost:

1. Determine where you want your lasagna compost to be located – it’s easiest to designate a square or rectangle area, but the shape is ultimately up to you. Once you’ve allocated a space, prepare the area by clearing away as much grass and weeds as you can. It is up to you whether or not to put a frame or a visible perimeter around the area.
2. Using old newspaper as your first layer of lasagna (e.g. the “noodles”), cover the entire designated composting area with four or five layers. Your goal should be to create a barrier, so make sure to overlap the edges so grass and weeds cannot easily poke through. Once in place, wet the newspaper pieces until they are soaked – but be careful to not break or rip the newspapers as you wet them.
3. The second layer of your lasagna (e.g. the “cheese”) is next. Spread a layer of yard waste such as old leaves over the layer of newspaper. You can also add chopped pieces of cardboard, shredded paper towel and toilet paper tubes, egg cartons, shredded non-shiny paper, straw, hay – - and anything that is considered a “brown” ingredient. Brown elements are generally anything organic that is high in carbon. Once the brown layer is in place, add a layer of moisture – but don’t flood it.
4. The final layer (e.g. the “meat”) should be added on top of the brown ingredients. The top layer should consist of “green” material that is rich in nitrogen. Examples of what should be used are: fresh grass clippings, remains from fruits and vegetables, bread and grain products, tea bags, coffee grounds, coffee filters, dryer lint, or manure/droppings from any vegetarian-fed pets/animals.
5. Repeat the layers several times until the pile is between two and three feet high. Don’t forget to add moisture/water after each layer! The top layer should be a “brown” layer because this will help discourage any/all types of pests that might like to feed or lay eggs in the compost pile.
6. Allow your lasagna compost to sit for several months. Over time, you will notice the pile will shrink in height. Don’t touch the pile until it is ready! In about six months, add a layer of topsoil over the compost lasagna. And, voila – - you now have a nutrient-rich garden area ready for planting!

Helpful tips to keep in mind:

• A lasagna compost pile can be built over the winter so the area will be ready for planting in the spring!
• Use your Green Cycler to create optimal shredded green material for your compost lasagna!
• Don’t worry about the exact ratio of greens:browns or carbons:nitrogens. Remember: “Compost Happens!” and it’s really hard to NOT be successful at lasagna composting!

Dear Compost Diva,

I’ve got a perfectly good garbage disposal. Why do I need a Green Cycler?

Signed,

Lovin’ My Garbage Disposal

Dear Lovin’ My Garbage Disposal,

The garbage disposal is an interesting device. While it appears to be a miraculous grinder that causes food scraps to magically disappear, it’s actually a contraption that encourages people to push their unwanted food scraps down their drains. And while the garbage disposal is definitely a highly sought-after modern-day convenience, it’s also a problematic piece of machinery!

Once food scraps are ground and flushed out, people’s attitudes often become “out of sight, of out mind!” The food is gone, right? It is now someone else’s problem? Wrong. Food that is discarded via a garbage disposal actually ventures on a long path in a journey from your kitchen to a landfill.

I’m not going to tell you that garbage disposals should be banned from existence. They do serve a specific purpose in most kitchens. For example, there are times when you’re washing really dirty dishes and tiny pieces of food end up in the sink that need a little bit of “encouragement” to make it all the way down the drain. But it’s senseless to use your garbage disposal as a trash can. I’ve actually seen people shove entire pineapples into their garbage disposal! In my mind, this practice is just not right!

When food is forced down the drain via garbage disposal, it makes its way through the sewage system to a water treatment plant. Food scraps are strained out of the water and eventually dumped into a landfill, which takes up space and creates methane gas as it completely decomposes – which is detrimental to the environment.

Why do you need a Green Cycler? I’m so glad you asked! Plain and simple, the Green Cycler allows you to avoid using your garbage disposal. So, instead of shoving your leftover food scraps down the drain to be chopped up by your garbage disposal and washed into the sewage system, you can easily grind the food scraps into a pre-compost material that is perfect to use in your garden, to nourish the worms in your worm bin, to add to your compost bin, or to feed your pets. And one of the best aspects of the system is that it was designed to eliminate odors!

So next time you think about forcing your food scraps down the drain, think again. Not only are you helping the environment when you use the Green Cycler instead of a garbage disposal, but you are helping to prevent clogged sinks and stopped up pipes. Is your garbage disposal currently broken? My advice is DO NOT replace it. Get a Green Cycler instead!

Signed,
The Compost Diva

What you need:

• Large Containers
• Access to a Sunny Porch, Patio or Balcony
• Garden Hose or Watering Can
• Potting Soil
• Homemade Compost
• Fertilizer
• Stakes or Cages to Keep the Plant(s) Upright

Large Containers: The size of the container you use for growing tomatoes does matter. Generally speaking, the larger the container, the bigger the plant will grow. Bigger plants equal more tomatoes. Using a large growing container allows the root system of the plant to grow and develop. A strong root system allows the plant to grow taller and fuller. If you have limited space in which to grow your tomatoes, you might want to select a smaller container which will limit the plant’s growth potential and will keep your plant restricted to a manageable size.

Access to a Sunny Porch, Patio or Balcony: Tomato plants needs direct sunlight for several hours per day. The more sunlight, the better the results. If your plant receives less than six hours of direct sunlight per day, your tomato yield will be smaller.

Garden Hose or Watering Can: Be careful not to let the soil in your tomato container get too dry. On the contrary, you should also not over-water! The key to success is keeping the soil moist but not too wet. The container you use should have an adequate drainage system; make sure the container is not allowed to sit in a pool of water.

Potting Soil: Make sure to use high-quality potting soil. All-purpose potting soil should do the trick. Potting soil is available at most hardware and gardening stores.

Compost Diva Tip #1: adding compost is the singular most important step you can take to preparing your soil for planting tomatoes.

Homemade Compost: The ratio of compost to potting soil should be approximately 1:4. In other words, 25% of the mixture should be compost. Homemade compost, created with the help of your Green Cycler, is ideal! Compost helps regulate the temperature of the plant’s roots and retains moisture which is especially important in containers.

Compost Diva Tip #2: Mix one cup of Epsom Salt into each container. Epsom Salt is a readily available source of calcium and magnesium for your plant and helps prevent blossom end rot!

Fertilizer: Tomato plants thrive when they are fertilized properly. You can use either the store-bought variety (organic is best) or, if you maintain a worm bin, worm castings work very well.

Stakes or Cages to Keep the Plant(s) Upright: Depending on your container size and tomato variety, your plant could grow to 5 or 6 feet tall! If you prefer a smaller plant, look for “determinate” or “bush” varieties. Virtually all tomatoes need a support system to stand upright and to keep branches from breaking when loaded with juicy large fruit. Use a tomato cage, stakes, or bamboo poles to provide your plant with the support it needs. Be sure to stake your tomato when it’s first planted to prevent disrupting the root system later.

Follow all of these tips, and you’re sure to have container growing tomato success!

Dear Compost Diva,

Why do you refer to compost as the “Bomb?” The website www.englishbaby.com says the meaning of “You’re the Bomb” is: “really good, great, the best!” Are you simply talking about the greatness of compost? Or, does the term mean something else?

Signed,

Confused About “The Bomb”

******

Dear Confused,

I’m so proud of you for remembering that I like to refer to compost as the “BOMM!” But as you will notice, the word that I use to describe compost is spelled like this: “BOMM.” It’s not spelled “Bomb,” which is the spelling you referenced in your letter.  I definitely agree that compost is “really good, great, the best!” But the letters in the word BOMM are actually an acronym for Balance, Oxygen, Moisture, and Movement. These four words are the keys to the successful creation of compost. Essentially, compost IS the BOMB and the BOMM… if you get what I mean!

I’m sure you want to know more about the BOMM, so here is some more information about the meaning of Balance, Oxygen, Moisture, and Movement in relation to compost:

Balance: aim for BALANCE in your compost. Ideally, your compost pile should consist of about half browns and about half greens. Many experienced composters refer to this balance as a Carbon-Nitrogen ratio. Don’t be overly worried if you don’t hit that balance right on the nose. And certainly don’t let balance worries keep you from composting! Keep this motto in mind: Compost Happens! If the balance is not exactly right, don’t worry too much about it!

Just remember these simple guidelines:

Browns are woody and dry, or anything that WAS alive:

• Paper
• Dried leaves
• Sawdust
• Anything rich in carbon

Greens are moist and green, or anything that is NOW, or was very recently, alive:

• Grass
• Fresh plant clippings
• Food scraps
• Manures from non-meat-eating animals

Oxygen: promote the circulation of OXYGEN in your pile. Oxygen helps the beneficial bacteria in your compost pile to thrive. Here’s how Cornell University’s explains the scientific importance of oxygen in composting and what happens in its absence…yuck:

“An essential ingredient for successful composting is oxygen. As microorganisms oxidize carbon for energy, oxygen is used up and carbon dioxide is produced. Without sufficient oxygen, the process will become anaerobic and produce undesirable odors, including the rotten-egg smell of hydrogen sulfide gas.”

Moisture: It’s important to keep your compost pile damp. The proper MOISTURE level can be compared to a wrung-out sponge. An easy way keep your pile damp is by placing it near your yard sprinklers. But if you don’t have yard sprinklers, spray your pile periodically with a hose or covered it with a tarp. Some people use a plastic compost bin which helps maintain moisture. If your pile ever becomes too wet, simply mix in a bit of BROWN or dry material.

Movement: Ideally, your compost pile should have MOVEMENT. What I mean is periodic turning or mixing. A bit of elbow grease invested in moving your pile not only keeps your arms well toned, but also helps to distribute MOISTURE and OXYGEN throughout. Note, MOVEMENT is not necessary when using a “no sweat” composting method.

One of my favorite sayings has always been: “Life is Short. Compost Fast!” If you want guaranteed success, follow these simple rules:

• Use the Green Cycler to create the perfect-sized pre-compost material out of your kitchen scraps – - this is the key!
• Shred or roughly chop all the materials you put in your compost pile.
• Promote circulation and beneficial bacteria.
• Balance Browns and Greens.
• Ensure contact with the earth.
• Just Do It! It’s easy!
• Ask questions and seek help if you need it!

-Your Compost Diva