Blog by Lanie Keystone

Just the title will make you want to read this fun, practical, and easy-to-follow book:

COMPOST AFTER READING by Cassandra Marketos, with pithy, compelling illustrations by Sludge Thunder. (You’ve gotta love that name!)

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The focus of this witty, brilliantly written book is- everyone can compost—everywhere—all at once: in a bowl, under the sink, in a bag, just takes a wink!  Marketos’ philosophy is that even if you don’t plan on composting, just knowing about it is a perfect place to start a conversation about “zero waste”.  She brings to life the culture, beauty, and community of composting and how it relates to our contemporary times.

The author starts by explaining why composting works.  She takes the myth and magic away –and replaces it with a practical, accessible guide.  In the course of this delightful book, she explains where to put your compost, the basics of decomposition, the materials you’ll need, and how to build a compost pile. She discusses issues such as what tools to use, how to deal with odors and insects, how to transition the compost pile for colder weather, creating compost pile designs for a small space, using worms, and even lets us in on “how to compost things you’re always told you can’t!”

This is a book for the true composting novice, but it also has advice for even the most seasoned composter.  And, as the title encourages, you really can “Compost After Reading”! But why would you? You’ll want to go back and read it from cover to compostable cover—if for no other reason than it’s a delight!

Banner photo: "Compost pile" by nancybeetoo is licensed under CC BY 2.0.