Lifestyle

Vikki Gerrard Shares How To Start An Eco-Friendly Home Composting System

Published

3 years ago

August 17, 2023

The world is facing a major environmental crisis, and it’s our responsibility to do what we can. We can do our part by starting an eco-friendly home composting system. Composting is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. The expert, Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI has some tips for you. This blog post, La Crosse WI, will share nine ways to start an eco-friendly home composting system.

Choose a Composting Method That Works for You:

Several composting methods include traditional composting, vermicomposting, and hot composting. Each method has pros and cons, so choose one that works for your needs and lifestyle. For example, if you have limited space, vermicomposting (using worms) might be better than traditional composting. Therefore, carefully considering which method would work best for your home is essential.

Gather the Right Materials:

For a successful composting system, you’ll need a few basic materials such as organic materials like food scraps, leaves, grass clippings, and animal manure; a bin or container; and a supply of air. Depending on your composting system, you may need additional materials, such as bedding, for vermicomposting.

Pick the Right Location:

Your compost bin needs to be in a location that is easily accessible but also out of the way. You don’t want it in a high-traffic area, but it also needs to be convenient enough that you’ll use it regularly. It should also be in a spot that receives sunlight but isn’t too hot.

One way to get started is by sectioning off a corner in your yard using wood or plastic bins.

Add the Right Materials:

Composting requires a mix of “green” and “brown” materials. Green materials include vegetable and fruit scraps, while brown materials include leaves, sawdust, and newspaper. It’s important to add the right mix of materials to your compost bin to keep it balanced. Too much of one type of material can lead to a smelly, slow-to-mature compost.

For example, adding too much grass clippings can create an environment that’s too wet and lead to mold or fungus growth.

Stir Regularly:

For your compost pile to break down efficiently, you’ll need to stir it regularly. You don’t need any special equipment – a pitchfork or shovel will do the trick – but stirring helps move oxygen throughout the pile, which helps to break down the materials and create compost faster.

You can also add water to your compost pile, but be careful not to overdo it. Too much water can create an environment that’s too wet, leading to mold or fungus growth.

Avoid Certain Foods:

While many food scraps are great for composting, there are some foods you should avoid. These include meats, dairy products, oils, and fats. These items can attract rodents and other pests, and they can also slow down the decomposition process.

On the other hand, you can add eggshells, coffee grounds, and tea bags, as these are all excellent sources of nutrients for your compost.

Maintain Your Compost Bin:

To keep your composting system running smoothly, you’ll need to maintain your compost bin. This means turning the compost regularly to help it break down more quickly and adding water to keep it moist. You’ll also need to keep an eye on the level of your compost bin – if it’s too full, you’ll need to start a new bin or find ways to use the compost you already have.

Use Your Compost:

Once your compost is ready, you can use it to fertilize your garden. This nutrient-rich soil is excellent for plants and can help reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. You can also use it for potted plants or give it to friends and family.

Another way to use your compost is by donating it to local farms. Many small-scale farmers require nutrient-rich soil and would be happy to take your compost off your hands.

Troubleshoot Common Problems:

While composting is a relatively simple process, there can be some issues you’ll need to troubleshoot. These can include problems like odors, pests, and slow decomposition. To troubleshoot these issues, you may need to adjust the mix of materials you’re adding to your compost bin or change the location of the bin.

Additionally, you may need to ensure your compost pile is getting enough air or add some water to help speed up the decomposition process.

Conclusion:

Vikki Gerrard La Crosse WI understands that starting an eco-friendly home composting system doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these nine tips, you can create nutrient-rich soil for your garden and do your part to reduce waste. Remember to choose a composting method that works for you, add the right materials, avoid certain foods, maintain your compost bin, use your compost, and troubleshoot common problems. You can contribute to a healthier planet with little time and effort.

Lifestyle

The Breakroom Reset: Small Changes That Improve the Workday

Published

1 week ago

February 11, 2026

Michelle Langton

The office breakroom is a space that’s often neglected and can sometimes feel more like an afterthought than a key feature of the workplace. This is unfortunate, especially since employees typically visit the breakroom to rest and recuperate before finishing their shift. Considering its intended function, the breakroom should be viewed as one of the most important spaces in the entire office.

Having a welcoming and rejuvenating breakroom can promote social interaction, enhance workplace culture, and reduce stress. Employees who feel restored after visiting the breakroom are more likely to feel happy at work and be more productive the rest of the day. If your workplace breakroom leaves a lot to be desired, here are some small changes you can make to totally reset it.

Small Breakroom Changes That Improve the Workday

Unless your breakroom is in shambles and needs major reconstruction, you don’t have to spend a fortune on it to make it more inviting. In many cases, small and simple changes can make a big impact on the overall vibe of any space.

Whether you’re working with a limited budget or limited space, there are still plenty of things you can do to reset your boring breakroom. Here are some small breakroom changes that can improve the workday and give you maximum bang for your buck.

Convenient Hydration Options

Employees need to stay hydrated to keep their health and energy levels high. Unfortunately, many employees are chronically dehydrated because they don’t have access to tasty beverages at work. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to install a soda machine in the breakroom. Giving workers unlimited access to sugary drinks could backfire in the long run by contributing to illnesses and increased sick days.

Instead of offering sugary beverages (that can actually contribute to dehydration in the long run), make it easier for your employees to stay hydrated with pure water. Providing a filtered office drinking water system is one of the best ways to encourage optimal hydration. Most employees will appreciate the clean, tasty alternative to standard office tap water.

Comfy Seating

When was the last time you took a look at the seating arrangements in your breakroom? If it’s been a while, take a walk over there and give it a good look. Is there sufficient space for multiple employees to sit at the same time? Are the seats comfortable and rearrangeable so employees can interact with others or achieve greater privacy as desired? If not, you might benefit from a breakroom seating reset.

Seating arrangements in breakrooms should be both comfortable and flexible. You might want to bring in some modular furniture because it’s easy to move and rearrange as needed. For maximum versatility, seating arrangements should include a mix of traditional breakroom chairs and tables, lounge chairs, and even bean bags. Making the space as open as possible will also help it look more roomy and inviting.

Nutritious Snack Options

Most employers don’t provide full meals for their employees. It’s perfectly reasonable to expect workers to make their own lunch or dinner arrangements. However, if you want to support your employees’ energy levels, keep healthy snacks in your breakroom. Nutritious snacks can enhance employee performance throughout the day, so workers find it easier to get more done.

Instead of investing in chips, candy bars, and other sugary sweets, opt for snack options that won’t cause sugar spikes and inevitable crashes. Some great options include trail mixes, protein bars, fresh fruit, popcorn, and veggie trays. Instant oatmeal cups can also be a convenient source of energy for those who don’t have time to grab breakfast before heading to work. You might want to send out an employee survey to see what types of healthy snacks your workers prefer.

Optimal Lighting

Did you know that poor lighting can negatively impact your employees’ psychological and emotional well-being? Improving workplace lighting (including in the breakroom) can make a huge difference in worker morale and energy levels. Warm white light may be a great choice for the breakroom because it creates a soothing, calm atmosphere. Cool white light might be a better fit for conference rooms and cubicle areas because it enhances focus and energy.

Of course, natural light is arguably the best option for the office whenever it’s available. If your breakroom has windows, try to keep the shades open during working hours. That way, employees can experience the mood- and health-boosting benefits of natural light exposure.

Entertainment Options

Some office managers and CEOs mistakenly think that a breakroom should be boring to serve its purpose well. However, the terms “boring” and “relaxing” are not synonymous. Employees may find a boring breakroom to be surprisingly non-restorative. On the flip side, a room equipped for entertainment can be very relaxing and rejuvenating.

To make your breakroom a more enjoyable place to spend time, you might want to install a corner television. That way, workers can watch their favorite sitcom while they relax. You might also keep a few card or board games stocked in a cupboard for employees who prefer to interact in fun ways during their lunch breaks.

Reset Your Breakroom Today

Your employee breakroom can reveal a lot about your overall workplace environment. If it’s not lit well, or if it’s boring and unwelcoming, workers are more likely to feel underappreciated and discontented. The good news is that you don’t have to sink a lot of money or effort into resetting your breakroom and getting a fresh start. Use these simple tips to revamp your breakroom and make it a place where workers can go to feel truly cared for and relaxed.