Lifestyle

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

Published

2 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

K-Beauty Meets Sustainability: Why SoloVegan Is the Brand to Watch

Published

6 hours ago

June 20, 2025

Michelle Langton

Photo Courtesy of: SoloVegan

By: Gerome Alvarez

SoloVegan is carving its path in a beauty industry dominated by aesthetics and fleeting trends. This Korean-inspired skincare brand aims to make high-performance, sustainable, and affordable products accessible to all. With a unique blend of advanced K-beauty innovation and ethical responsibility, SoloVegan is quickly becoming a name that beauty enthusiasts and conscious consumers alike cannot ignore.

The brand’s growth is impressive. With products now available in over 500 retail locations across North America, SoloVegan is living proof that skincare can be effective, ethical, and affordable. At a time when consumers demand more from the brands they support, SoloVegan delivers solutions that truly resonate.

The Glow-Up of K-Beauty and Clean Beauty

Korean Beauty, or K-beauty, has built a reputation for its innovative formulas, layered skincare routines, and effective results. SoloVegan combines these principles with the rising demand for clean beauty, offering plant-based, cruelty-free products free of harmful additives. Sustainability is a feature at the heart of SoloVegan’s mission.

Its product lineup reflects this commitment. The Glow & Dew You Brightening Serum, a fan favorite, is formulated with kojic acid and niacinamide to brighten skin and improve uneven tone. The Don’t Pop to Me Pimple Patches are another standout, offering quick and effective solutions for acne-prone skin. SoloVegan’s Guava Lip Duo adds a nourishing touch to daily routines.

“Skincare does not have to be a compromise between performance and ethics,” says the SoloVegan team. “We are proud to offer products that work while staying true to our commitment to sustainability.”

The brand’s eco-friendly packaging is yet another way it aligns with today’s consumers’ values. From concept to creation, SoloVegan ensures its products support skin health and the planet’s well-being.

More Than Skincare: A Brand with Heart

SoloVegan is not just a skincare brand but a brand with a bigger purpose. Beyond delivering high-quality products, the company empowers individuals and communities. Its partnership with CareerVillage.org, a platform that connects young people with professionals for career advice, is a testament to its commitment to making a difference.

“Partnering with CareerVillage.org allows us to contribute to something larger than ourselves,” says the team at SoloVegan. “It is about equipping the next generation with tools and advice to build their future.”

This initiative reflects the brand’s belief that beauty extends beyond skin deep. SoloVegan is changing what it means to be a socially responsible brand in the beauty industry by engaging with communities and fostering meaningful connections.

From Store Shelves to Shopping Carts

SoloVegan’s journey to becoming a retail staple is nothing short of impressive. The brand’s products are now available in over 500 stores across North America, including major retailers like Walmart Canada, Meijer, and King Soopers. Its online store, gosolovegan.com, further expands its reach, offering convenience for customers who prefer to shop digitally.

This growth is backed by strong financial performance. SoloVegan generates $20 million in annual revenue and has achieved a 12 percent year-over-year growth rate. Such numbers underscore the brand’s ability to connect with consumers and meet the demand for affordable, high-quality skincare.

Competing in a crowded market is no small feat, but SoloVegan stands tall against rivals like Bubble Skincare, Naturium, and Byoma. Its distinct combination of K-beauty origins, clean formulations, and community-driven initiatives gives it an undeniable edge.

“People want more than products, they want to believe in a brand’s story,” says the SoloVegan team. “We aim to be a brand that consumers trust and feel good about supporting.”

Where SoloVegan Is Headed

As SoloVegan looks into the future, it is clear that the brand is not slowing down. Its short-term goals include expanding its geographic presence and focusing on strengthening its position in Mexico and other untapped North American markets. It also invests in digital strategies to increase visibility and build trust through search engines and social media.

In the long term, SoloVegan envisions itself as a leader in the clean beauty movement, leveraging the industry’s projected growth to make an even bigger impact. The brand’s ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to its core values positions it for continued success.

SoloVegan’s journey involves blending science, sustainability, and heart. It proves that beauty is not just about what you put on your skin, it is about the values you support and the impact you make.

Why SoloVegan Is the One to Watch

Consumers are inundated with options but SoloVegan’s authenticity and commitment stand out. It delivers on its promise to provide skincare that works while supporting a sustainable future. For those seeking skincare that is as ethical as it is effective, SoloVegan is the answer. The brand is not just changing beauty but making it better.