Many homemakers own a garden or spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and little do we notice that many home activities leave a large carbon footprint and are harmful to the environment. Just using up electricity requires a lot of energy, and most household products contain harmful chemicals. Some activities that can help the environment and reduce our carbon footprints are difficult to pursue, such as segregating biodegradable and non-biodegradable trash which can be taxing, or choosing paper bags and not plastic when grocery shopping which can be inconvenient. Plastic usage, which affects the environment greatly, can be reduced in the home in a very easy way. Turning old plastic storage boxes into compost bins is an easy and fun way to help the environment without leaving your home.
Compost bins are good for the environment since they turn organic waste such as food waste into fertilizer through natural processes, releasing beneficial chemicals into the air. Making compost bins out of your old plastic storage boxes is fast and easy.
plastic storage boxes with lids
Take your old plastic storage boxes which have previously been used to store documents or tools. Any size or shape will do, but plastic storage boxes with lids are ideal and it would be best to get one in a size that can hold 18 gallons at least.
Next, make holes all around your plastic storage box. Holes in the storage box will allow air to circulate in the contents of the box, and allowing it to decompose more quickly. You can use a small drill that are commonly used at home, or a gardening spade or screwdriver. If you are using a larger drill you will of course create larger holes, and it is advisable for you to line your plastic compost bin with mesh so that small rodents and other small animals will not be able to get in your compost pile. You can then place your compost bin in your garden, or outside your kitchen door or window to pile up food scraps, or in your garage if you wish to keep it out of sight.