Compost me and return me to the earth!

At Biomille, we constantly seek to generate a positive impact on the environment and contribute to sustainability.

That's why we launched a new line of natural soaps with many features that make them unique. They're natural, cruelty-free, and the plant-based raw materials were specially designed and combined to create our different varieties. Not only that, but the packaging paper is printed with water-based inks and contains no lacquer or glue. This makes the packaging 100% compostable. But what do we know about compost?

Compost is an organic amendment obtained from the recycling of our organic waste. This occurs through its decomposition, involving microorganisms, fungi, and various organisms that feed on it. For this to happen, we also need to control humidity, temperature, and air quality during the process.

Basic ingredients:

Organic : fruit and vegetable scraps, herbs, vegetable food scraps, tea bags, coffee filters, eggshells.

Dry : garden leaves, newspapers, untreated wood shavings, matches, paper napkins, cardboard. (Do not include glass, metals, plastics, or papers with ink on them)

Soil : By adding soil we are adding decomposing organisms, microorganisms, worms, necessary for the process to be completed.

Where to compost? You can compost directly on the ground or build your own compost bin with one of these items:

• Vegetable crates with half a crop, bags of potatoes/onions, and cardboard or paper as a base. This is the most recommended because it's the most practical and easy to obtain.
• Paint cans
• Buckets
• 6-liter water canisters.
• Large pot

How to compost? For approximately 30 days, place the various ingredients: soil, organic matter, and dry matter. Once the month has passed or the container is full, let it rest. You can stir the contents weekly.

Step by step: Select a space for the compost bin. Have a container in your kitchen where you can place the organic waste you generate. It's important to include the same amount of wet and dry material. It's recommended to pour the waste in alternating layers of wet and dry waste.

Monitor the process: Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and rainwater from entering . Check the humidity level once a week ; the compost should be slightly damp, but not too damp. The best way to assess this is to press it lightly with your hand. If it's too damp, add dry material, and if it's too dry, water it.

When to harvest compost? Compost will be ready for use on plants when:

• The origin of the materials cannot be identified ;
• It is at room temperature ;
• It has the smell of wet earth ;
• Dark color ;
• Have a homogeneous appearance.

The process generally takes between 2 and 5 months.

Impact and lessons from composting:

Soil : Improves soil structure; provides essential plant nutrients; brings life to the soil; helps retain soil moisture and prevent plants from drying out.

Waste : We've reduced the waste we generate daily at home by almost 50%. This allows us to significantly reduce the amount of waste we send to landfills.

Now that we know a little more about compost, let's look for a different way of living, let's be conscious of it !