Sonoka ImagawaThe term “composting” is one that we are hearing more and more about these days. In fact, it is an important element of Japanese wisdom handed down from generation to generation, utilizing the action of microorganisms to ferment and decompose. However, many people still do not use it. In this article, we will introduce the pros and cons of home composting in Japan, and recommend a simple but chic composting tool.
Home compost pros
Let’s sort out the benefits of composting.
- No more stench from food scraps
- No need to prepare plastic bags for disposal
- Generates fertilizer for vegetables and gardening
- Reduces waste and carbon dioxide emissions
Food waste accounts for around 30-40% of combustible waste. Composting at home can significantly reduce the amount of household waste by recycling the messy food loss from the kitchen.
One of the best ingredients for composting is “rice bran.” Rice bran is the powder from the seed coat and embryo parts of rice that is released when the surface of brown rice is scraped and polished. It is an essential ingredient in traditional Japanese food, but when added to compost, it is a superfood that accelerates decomposition very quickly.
Home compost cons
Conversely, what could be some of the disadvantages of composting?
- Chopping food waste and laborious daily stirring
- Limited space for installation
- Need to sort out what can and cannot be put in compost
If the compost is fermented well, the odor is hardly noticeable, but if foods that are not decomposed by the composter are put in, they will stink. We should note that some foods don’t compost well.
Foods not so suitable for composting:
- Fruit seeds
- Salty foods
- Dairy products
- Fat and oil
- Meat and fish bones
- Raw rice
- Thick vegetable peels
As in Japan, it is also possible to easily incorporate composting into urban life, even if the land and houses are small. LFC Compost, a portable compost kit created by Japanese composting company Local Food Cycling, can be one solution.
Econawa, another Japanese brand of earth-friendly household products, also has launched a household composting kit, “the Bamboo Fiber Food Composter,” helping urbanites to follow a zero-waste lifestyle. This compost bin is stylish, designed with a warm feel and fits well in the kitchen as part of the interior decor. In just about one month, kitchen waste is transformed into nutrient-rich compost.
Thus, even those who do not have a garden at home and are too busy to compost can easily reduce household food waste. The compost made can be used for gardening and can also be sent to schools and farmers, giving back to the community. What would otherwise be considered “garbage” can instead be turned into nutrients for the soil, contributing to a sustainable future.
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