Ecotourism project: composting

Have you ever wondered how much useful stuff you throw away every day? Potato peelings, banana peels, coffee grounds….. Yes, even tea bags! All this is not rubbish, but a valuable resource that can revitalise your soil and help nature. Want to know how? Let’s find out together!

What is composting and why is it necessary?

Composting is a kind of magic where ordinary organic waste is turned into a nutritious natural fertiliser. For ecotourism and for our future in general, this is a real boon: less waste in landfills, more benefits for the soil. But that’s not all:
– Less rubbish. Did you know that up to 30% of the contents of a rubbish bin are organics that can be recycled? Less waste means less landfill problems.
-Healthier soil. Compost not only nourishes the soil, but also makes it loose, retains moisture and encourages plant growth.
-Fewer emissions. In landfills, organics decompose to release methane, a gas that accelerates climate change. Composting prevents this from happening.

Interesting facts you’ll definitely want to tell your friends:

• Worms are your allies. Special “compost worms” help recycle waste and create super nutritious compost.
• Compost is hot! Yes, yes, the temperature inside the compost heap can rise up to 60 °C. This helps kill harmful bacteria and weeds.
• Coffee grounds are good for you. Coffee is not only an invigorating drink, but also a great addition to your compost.
• Lemons with care. It’s best to add citrus a little at a time so as not to slow down the decomposition process.

How to get started. It’s easier than it sounds!

Find a spot. A corner in the garden, a container on the balcony or even a mini bucket in the kitchen.

Collect waste. Leftover vegetables, fruit peels, grass, dry leaves and even paper napkins.

Create layers. Alternate between ‘green’ (nitrogen-rich, like vegetables) and ‘brown’ (carbon-rich, like dry leaves) components.

Stir it up. Just turn the pile occasionally to let it ‘breathe’.

Composting is for everyone!

Do you own a guest house? Compost will show your guests that you care about nature. Do you have a flat? A mini composter on your balcony will make your life greener.
The communities of Chon-Kemin and the southern coast of Ysyk-Kyol are already introducing composting in their guesthouses after eco-tourism trainings. Would you like to join them?
Question: Have you tried composting? Share your tips or ask questions in the comments!

The project ‘Empowering Women in Kyrgyzstan through Ecotourism’ is implemented with the support of the Canadian Foundation for Local Initiatives (CFLI)