Counter Intelligence

Ask Umbra’s video advice on composting 2

Do you eat? If you said yes, then this video is for you. Here’s why: 13 percent of the nation’s trash is food. And keeping food out of landfills is important, because when they’re in there they create potent greenhouse gases as they break down. So what can you do? Let Umbra show you how to compost the easy way – with and without worms! Fun for city or suburb. With guest appearances from comedian David Cross and rocker Brett Dennen.


Special thanks to Brett Dennen and to CLIF BAR GreenNotes, which helps artists reduce the environmental impact of their tours. They also encourage music fans to take action — find out what they’re doing, and join in!


“Ask Umbra” is the first video series produced by GristTV. Look for new video tips for greening your life from Umbra nearly every week.


Watch it on the go! Subscribe to GristTV video podcasts via iTunes.


Learn more about composting from Grist:
Ask Umbra on How to Start Your Own Compost
Ask Umbra on Compost and Climate (Global Worming!)
Ask Umbra on Composting with Worms

More yummy composting links from around the web:
How to Compost.org
Making Your Own Compost
Good for the Planet. Not That Smelly. Really.

Yours is to wonder why, hers is to answer (or try). Send your green-living questions to Umbra.

For even more green goodness, you can follow Umbra on Twitter (@AskUmbra).

Umbra Fisk is Grist Research Associate II, Hardcover and Periodicals Unit, floors 2B-4B.

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  1. Carey Posted 12:49 pm
    27 Nov 2009

    Great video, thanks! I appreciate how you outline a variety of ways to compost. Our neighborhood started a composting service a year ago in Colorado. Many of us, however, do not have garages so it is making the raccoons very happy and healthy. And, unfortunately a lot of the residents fed up with picking up trash and living with coons, therefore, reluctant to compost. Clearly, there are other ways as you point out - ways for anyone to engage in these practices depending on where they live, what they mostly eat, time and so on. Recycling has become such a "no brainer" that I wonder if composting will too. Thanks always for the reminding us of the relationship between what we eat, what we put on our bodies and faces and the environment...

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  2. callalilyjen Posted 11:13 pm
    05 Dec 2009

    I am somewhat new to composting. My boyfriend started composting about 7 months ago, and since we now live together we have started a 2nd compost. They are small bins, but easier to work with. We just took a trash can-about 30 litres, flipped it, cut a hole in the bottom, which is now the top and set the lid on (top).We put all our fruit and veg waste, coffee grounds, egg shells in to the bin. Its amazing how little trash we toss out since we are now doing this. We planted a small potted veggie garden recently and mixed our compost with some organic and Zoo Poo soil. I had never seen soil straight from compost before and couldn't believe how beautiful and rich it was. Our garden has grown so fast and the plants are so healthy. If I am somewhere where I cannot compost, I feel guilty for having to throw something away. I wish I could convince more people to do it. It is not difficult at all, and the end result is wonderful in so many ways!

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