Compost and permaculture Made by: Marija Kosturska Mentor: Mite Ristov What is permaculture? Permaculture is an innovative framework for creating sustainable ways of living. By thinking carefully about the way we use our resources - food, energy, shelter an other needs - it is possible to get much more out of life by using less. What is compost? Compost is a material that is made out of organic waste such as vegetable and fruit peels, eggshells, grass, leaves, coffee grounds etc. The making process is called composting, its duration is a few months and is an aerobic breakdown of the biodegradable waste producing carbon dioxide, water, heat and compost as the final product. What is compost used for? The organic substances decompose and create organic humus that can be used in fields and gardens. Compost brings and feeds diverse life in the soil. These bacteria, fungi, insects, worms and more support healthy plant growth. Compost bacteria break down the organic substances into plant available nutrients. Some bacteria convert nitrogen from the air into a plant available nutrient. How can we make compost? Compost is very easy to make. We can even make it at home! Instead of throwing the vegetables and eggshells away, we can use them to make organic compost in our garden or in a container on our balcony. What CAN be composted? What CAN’T be composted? • organic waste from households (fruit • meat, fish, bones, skin; scraps and vegetables, eggshells, • dairy products, oils and fats; sludge from coffee, tea bags, leftover bread); • ash, packaging, rubber; • garden and green waste (leaves, • clothing, cigarettes, etc. flowers, grass, etc. ); • and organic waste such as small quantities of paper and tree bark THE MAKING PROCESS Why should we compost? Organic waste often ends up in landfills along rivers and roads, which is a huge problem. The decay of organic matter releases harmful gases such as methane and carbon dioxide, which are the main causes for global warming and climate change. Almost 40% of household waste can be composted, which will reduce landfill waste and the global warming. At the same time we will get a great natural fertilizer and save money by not having to buy it. Give Green a Chance!.