Alert “06880” reader — and ardent environmentalist — Alice Ely writes:
When Paul Newman helped start the first Westport Farmer’s Market, he began a ripple effect of good which I hope to continue to spread.
That was when we first began buying, cooking and eating local. Suddenly we found ourselves with way more produce trimmings than we had before. So we started composting.
We had so much of the rich black stuff, we put in a veggie garden of our own. Thanks to the composting, our weekly trash pickup shrank by a third, and we saw a dramatic difference in the way our plants grew.
Compost at Wakeman Town Farm
Soon I was not just spreading compost, but spreading the word. I even took the University of Connecticut Master Composter’s course so I could learn more. I also began volunteering at Wakeman Town Farm, where Westporters can see compost in action on a bigger scale.
Paul Newman was famously modest, but I think he would appreciate that we named our home compost pile after him. He was the one who said, “You have to be like the farmer. You have to put back in what you take out.”
In compost and in life, I agree.
Composting takes no more time than taking out the trash. Want to know more? This Monday (October 8, 7 to 8 p.m.), Wakeman Town Farm presents “How to Compost.” Alice Ely herself will explain the basics, and answer questions. It’s free, but you should register here:
On Monday night, Alice Ely, UConn Master Composter, will be at Wakeman Town Farm between 7 & 8 pm, to explain the basics and answer questions for would-be composters. It’s free, but click here to register.
Attendees will receive “Brown Gold” to take home. It will rev up a home compost pile in no time. (Don’t worry: Working compost piles don’t smell!)