Compost Resolutions

It’s mid-January, which means it’s the time of the year where I have broken many of my New Year’s resolutions. First example: I did not go out to my compost bin last week, (due to it being covered in snow from the recent Ohio weather). There are some ambitious compost and food scrap goals out there, so instead of exhausting myself, I'm trading some idealistic goals for more achievable options that may be easier to maintain.

1). I will compost all my kitchen scraps. 

Instead, replace blanket statements with specific foods.

While some of us may already be doing this, for those that are not, this could be overzealous. Different people will produce a different amount of scraps depending on what kinds of dishes are often prepared and how many people are in the household. Your goal should be something that your compost pile can keep up with and pushes the limits of what you may currently be doing. Instead of a blanket statement, try finding a specific food scrap to base your goal around. Choose a food that you may use the most of, such as: “I will compost all of my carrot peels and tops.” You’ll think of it any time you bring out that piece of produce, and you won’t find it as overwhelming.

2). I will always eat all my leftovers.

Instead, create a realistic habit to make your leftovers last longer.

This is a great goal to have, but life happens. Instead, focus on storing your leftovers in ways that make them last the longest, increasing the chances that you will eat them before they spoil. An option would be, “I will properly store and label all of my leftovers after cooking a meal.” A bonus to this goal: A cleaner kitchen and a more organized refrigerator. 

3). I will have a clean and bountiful compost pile this year.

Yes, you will! 

Guess what? This is not a difficult goal to achieve. Just be sure you are consistently covering your food scraps with leaves or carbon material, visiting your compost bin weekly, and turning as needed. A tip to help ensure you are keeping up with your compost: get involved in the compost community! Find a friend, share your bin, subscribe to newsletters, and/or attend a seminar. There are many ways to engage with others, and it’ll help brighten your 2025 by building community.

What compost goals have you set for yourself? 

Compost Blogger: Sam Plante