DIY Compost Bin

World Environment Day is celebrated on the 5th of June every year. It’s a day when communities and countries all over the globe spread awareness about conserving nature and reducing the negative effects on the environment. 

Your children are little environmentalists, so why not encourage their green habits? Composting is the perfect way to recycle and reuse. Get your kids started with this fun project.

You Will Need:

• Large plastic bin or bucket with lid
• Drill
• Shredded newspaper
• Soil
• Dried leaves and/or pine needles
• Food scraps

Instructions:

1. Drill 8-10 holes about 1-2 inches apart in the bottom of the bin, and four holes on each side of the bin. This will let air move around the bin to help things decompose.
2. Put the shredded newspaper into the bin, filling it up one-fourth of the way.
3. Add soil until the bin is half full. Top the soil with a layer of dried leaves or pine needles. Always keep brown material such as this in your bin to keep it from smelling.
4. Bury food scraps a little way into the brown material. To do this, roll your bin around (with the lid on) or mix it with a stick.
5. Spray the compost with just enough water to get things damp but not soaking wet. Put the lid on.
6. Keep a small container in your kitchen and fill it with food scraps from the To Compost list. Add the scraps to the compost bin. Just remember to add the same amount of soil and leaves, too.
7. Every four to five days, roll the compost bin around or stir the contents with a stick to keep things mixed up. Always keep the compost damp.
8. Compost will be ready to use in your garden in one to two months.

Items That are Acceptable for Compost:

• Grass cuttings
• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds
• Tea bags
• Paper egg cartons
• Shredded newspaper

Items NOT to Compost:

• Meat
• Fish
• Cat and dog poo
• Bones
• Fats or oils