I’ve heard about composting for years. In fact, when we lived in Germany we were each given a little green bucket and bio bags to collect our kitchen waste. We’d set it out each week and a company would collect it and take it to a community compost pile. My Mom has practiced composting for years in order to improve the health of her garden and flower beds. However, I have never had a compost bin of my own and when Mantis reached out to me and asked me to try one of their compost tumblers, I was more than happy to give it a try. But to be completely honest I really didn’t understand why composting was so “special” or even more why composting is so important. I also didn’t know how easy it was and that we could be composting with kids, too!

(Disclosure: this post is brought to you by Mantis I was compensated for this post but all opinions are mine.)

Why Compost?

1. Reduces landfill waste.

It’s pretty obvious that landfills take a lot of space and they just keep getting bigger. The reason for this growth is the lack of recycling and composting efforts. By composting and recycling we slow the growth of landfills down and we can save our precious land. Did you know over 30% of our personal waste at home could be composted.

2. Adds to the creation of new, nutrient rich soil.

Composting organic waste creates an excellent, nutrient-rich addition to our soil. Adding compost to gardening soil can actually boost the production of both edible and ornamental plants.

3. Reduction in overall greenhouse emissions.

Composting lowers the amount of greenhouse gasses created by organic material in our landfills. Did you know that landfills are one of the top producers of methane? Composting reduces the amount of methane released in our environment.

4. Neutralizes soil.

Adding compost to your soil prevents it from becoming too acidic, or too alkaline. This leads to soil that is usually perfect for the growth of most garden plants.

5. Say goodbye to chemical fertilizers

Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

How to Start Composting with Kids

Composting with kids is really simple and actually quite fun and interesting. Once we started I was really surprised how involved Jude has been with keeping food waste out of our trash. He’s also super excited to watch the process. To get started I need you to follow the steps below. Jude and I made an educational video to help you explain to your kids how important composting is for our environment and the future health of our Earth. Now , Let’s Start Composting!

Step 1 : Watch this Video With Your Kids

Step 2 : Purchase Your Supplies

Step 3: Print Your Free Kitchen Compost Printable

Your Easy Spin ComposTumbler will come with full instructions and a recipe book of all the things you can combine to make compost. However, for young children composting starts in the kitchen. I created this Kitchen Compost Pintable to hang in your kitchen as a reminder to the whole family as to what can go into the compost bin. Remember composting is easy. You are simply combining your Browns and your Greens to create a nutrient rich compost for your soil! But more than that you and your family are helping to reduce your carbon footprint! Now that’s AWESOME!

Composting is easy and great for our environment. Since, I’m a beginner do any of you have great tips that I should know? Please start a conversation in the comments below, I’d love to hear your tips!