National Learn About Composting Day
Why Do We Compost? Besides giving gardens and lawns significant nutrients, composting also reduces landfills. According to the United States EPA, “Food scraps and yard waste together currently make up about 30 percent of what we throw away.” Organic material often takes longer to decompose in a landfill due to being wrapped in plastic. The more organic material that is composted, the quicker it can deteriorate. Learn About Composting Day The best way to recognize this holiday is to learn as much as you can about composting. When you dive in, you’ll discover you can compost materials you never knew you could, including latex balloons and cardboard egg cartons. Once you do your research, you can start your very own compost by dedicating a part of your backyard to disposing of organic matter or by purchasing a compost bin. This article covers the basics of composting, but there’s still plenty more to learn! Head to your local farmers market or botanical garden and talk to the experts about any questions you have — they’ll be sure to give you some great tips.
Most people have heard of composting one way or another. Your mommight have kept a bin in the backyard for overripe Halloween pumpkins, yard clippings, and egg shells. You might even have a coworker who boasts about the giant compost pile they use to fertilize their garden and lawn. Whatever your level of composting knowledge may be, there is always more to learn about this popular and extremely beneficial method for handling organic food waste. Luckily, May 29 is National Learn About Composting Day! This day provides a great opportunity to introduce yourself to and begin the conversation about composting if you haven’t already. Below are a few answers to your basic composting questions to get you started. What Is Compost? Compost is decomposed organic matter, which is especially good for people who have gardens or aspire to live a sustainable lifestyle. People put coffee grounds; vegetable scraps; paper products, including receipts, paper towels, and tissues; wood chips, leaves, and other types of waste that are not categorized as processed food, meats, or fish products in their compost bin. Compost can stabilize gardening soil, keep the soil from contracting diseases, and help the ground retain moisture.
Black Gold for Your Garden Soil
Inspired by Food & Wine Magazine
Leah’s Bad Dad Joke of the Month
Strawberry Mango Paletas These bright red-and-orange ice pops are perfect for May when juicy strawberries are at their peak. Cool off this Memorial Day with these sweet treats.
What happened to the bee when he got swatted by one of the walking dead?
Ingredients •
1 1/4 cups strawberries, chopped 1/2 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
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2 medium ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and chopped
Directions 1. In a small saucepan, toss strawberries with 1/4 cup of the sugar and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. 2. Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Cook strawberries until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. 3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of the
6. In the blender, purée strawberry mixture until smooth. 7. Into eight 3-ounce ice pop molds, spoon 2 tablespoons mango purée. Add 2 tablespoons strawberry purée to each mold, then top with remaining mango purée, leaving 1/2 inch between filling and top of mold. 8. Using a small knife, gently swirl mango and strawberry layers together. Insert wooden ice pop sticks and freeze until solid, at least 4 hours and preferably overnight. 9. Dip molds in hot water for a few seconds, then unmold paletas and serve immediately.
lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt. 4. Let cool completely, about 45 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a blender, purée mangoes with remaining 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Scrape into a medium bowl and clean the blender.
He turned into a zom-bee.
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