How do we compost?

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GRIN is based on Robert D. Raabe’s method of ‘rapid composting’. According to him, a balanced compost requires five main elements:

 

• ‘Greens’

These are materials rich in nitrogen such as eggshells,  peelings, fruit cores, fruits and vegetables leftovers, coffee grounds, tea bags, grass clippers. Nitrogen enhances the proliferation of microorganisms and bacteria, which help breaking down biodegradable materials faster.

 

• ‘Browns’

These are materials rich in carbon: paper, dry leaves, branches, wood chips, sawdust, straw, shredded newspaper, cardboard, fireplace ashes, or any other dried organic material. Carbon is essential to the process given that it helps slow down the decomposition and as such prevents rotting.

 

• Oxygen

Composting is an aerobic process of decomposition of organic waste. Oxygen is essential for bacteria to proliferate. As such, it is necessary to turn the compost pile regularly.

 

• Water

An optimal level of humidity is required to enable bacteria to break down organic materials. If the compost is too wet, it will become smelly. On the contrary, if it is too dry, microbes will not be able to proliferate, and as such materials will not break down.

 

• Heat

In a rapid composting model, heat is supplied by the respiration of microorganisms as they decompose materials. Our containers are thus designed to be perfectly sealed, and as such prevent heat losses. Turning the compost pile on a regular basis will also insure that it is not overheating.

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