Reprinted with permission from Buffalo ReUse, committed to economic and community development related to deconstruction and re-use, while considering current and future use of our collective land resources.
Fall is here -- leaves are flying and clear plastic bags full of them are piling up at the curbs. Some of those leaves have made their way to our compost piles, thanks to some happy volunteers raking in our neighborhood, and one of our crew members, Brandon, who filled his van full of bags and brought them for us to (re)use. Leaves are great fuel for the compost pile -- they're an excellent source of carbon (see below) to feed your compost pile, bin, or bucket. Having a compost pile reduces the amount of garbage you generate, and using the fallen leaves you rake helps take a bit of the burden off the street sweepers and garbage collectors, providing you with some "black gold" for your garden and good Karma for reusing your waste. Putting compost in your garden soil improves its structure and its ability to hold water, and also provides essential nutrients and beneficial micro-organisms to the soil and the plants you grow in it. Still not convinced that you should start your own compost pile? Wait until you see how easy it is...
