I definitely learned my lesson about composting single use paper products…there’s plastic in them! Ice cream cartons, single use paper cups, and leftovers from compostable bags… great! What can be learned from this? Why was I so naive and optimistic?
While I do believe the certified compostable bags do break down over time given the right conditions, I’m not going to wait around any longer. I’m glad it showed signs of degrading, but this task is for the big windrow compost facilities…the problem is they don’t want it either!
Plastics break down into smaller pieces- pieces so small we can’t see them. How can we keep this crap out of our precious soil?
It’s time to identify your sources one at a time and think of ways to eliminate them. Most can be avoided by simply taking a container with you, or carrying a mug. Easier said than done, but like anything else, it’s just a habit to learn.
While plastic contamination in compost seems inevitable, it’s up to us to keep our piles clean at home.
After a good screening session, here’s what I was left with. While I’m sure it’s not plastic free, I’m going to use it for horticultural purposes and vow to keep my piles clean from here on out.
Here’s to a plastic free 2016!