Compost Stew, an A to Z Recipe for the Earth (Tricycle Press, 2010, ISBN-10: 1582463166) by Marry McKenna Siddal is a book that the publishers say is for children ages four to eight, but everyone can enjoy the clever rhymes and colourful illustrations. This book has been described as earth-friendly and kid-friendly. Illustrator, Ashley Wolff, picks up the theme of newsprint and tea bags and, using gouache and collage, creates images that catch the eye and amuse and delight the reader.
It's Never too Early to Learn About Composting
Any season and any age is apparently the right time to learn about what you can do to save the earth. In addition to knowing what goes into the compost bin, it helps to know what kind of bin is right for you. People who have big gardens have the most to gain. But even apartment dwellers can benefit from doing their part to save the environment while reducing kitchen waste.
What Goes in the Compost Bin ?
Compost Stew lists all the usual waste products that most people know about: "apple cores, bananas bruised, coffee grounds with filters, used." Some less frequently recommended things such as quarry dust and hair snippings might surprise some less savvy folks.
What Does Not Go In?
On the back page, Siddals has a "Chef's Note" that states, "Earthy? Yes! Meaty? No! Synthetic? Stop! Natural? Go!" and is quite specific about what will spoil the stew. Other internet sources might have more information about this.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Composting?
There are many places on the internet to find helpful hints for composting in just about any kind of household. Some will give you information about many different kinds of bins – homemade or purchased. You can decide which kind of composting will work best for you, using "wiggly worms with compost cravings" or not.
Won't the Compost Bin Smell or Attract Vermin?
Some people resist composting because they've seen it go wrong. Some say there's a smell. Some claim that all kinds of pests will come – flies? raccoons? rats! None of this will happen if you do it right.
Composting is Good for Everyone
It doesn't matter how big or how small your home is, composting is beneficial for everyone. It cuts down on kitchen waste, helps the environment by feeding the soil, it saves money (the only expense is minimal, the cost of a compost bin) because you can grow your own vegetables without having to buy nutrient-rich soil from a store, and, of course, it will enable you to grow organic food for your family. Even a few tomato plants on a balcony can use compost to enrich the potting soil.
If you find you are creating more compost than you can use in your garden, many of your neighbours with larger gardens will be happy to take it off your hands.
Involving the Children
Involving the children with collecting compost ingredients can include, also, doing the daily chore of taking the kitchen waste to the compost bin. As the weeks go by, they may notice changes in the muck as it becomes rich soil. Once the kids get over the yucky worms and dirty hands, they'll be happy to dig in and help with the garden, using the compost stew they've helped cook.
An excellent bedtime story that teaches an important lesson, Compost Stew is comfort food indeed.
Diane Jones - Diane has a BA in linguistics, a Masters in Education (both from the University of British Columbia and a certificate in Christian Studies ...
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