Composting makes complete sense. Instead of sending organic matter to landfills, which cost a tremendous amount of money and takes up limited landfill space, the waste is converted into something that is use-able. Sometimes, it can even be sold.

Composting is simple to get started. Common materials such as chicken wire, bricks can form an area for outdoor composting. This is not difficult, involving only minimal mixing and turning and the addition of some water.

To compost in a backyard, choose an area that is 3 x 5 feet in an area of your yard that is near a water source but away from direct sun light and from children play areas. Be sure to leave enough room for air to circulate and be sure that one side can be removed for easy operations.

The compost pile needs to be turned every few weeks with a pitchfork to distribute air and moisture. Sprinkling water on the pile facilitates decomposition. Normally, it will take three to six months for compost to be completed.

When it is completed, the waste will become a dark crumbly material that is uniform in texture. It can then be spread in garden beds and mixed into other soils.

Did you know that you can compost indoors? Experts say that you can, though I would not rush to do this!

Make your own indoor compost bin by drilling ½ inch diameter holes into the bottom and sides of a plastic garbage can. Place a brick and gravel in the bottom of a large garbage can and insert the smaller can into the larger one. Wrapping installation around the outer can maintains a warm temperature and encourages the process.

Why not burn leaves and other yard waste? Burning produces air pollution and can lead to uncontrolled fires. And leaf smoke can make breathing difficult for those of us who suffer from asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or allergies. Local laws control burning in many states.

Compost has the ability to regenerate poor soils. The composting process encourages the production of microorganisms which in term breakdown organic matter to create humus. Humus is a rich nutrient filled material that increases the beneficial content of soils and helps soil maintain moisture.

Compost has been shown to suppress plant disease and pests, reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers, and promote higher yield in gardens and agriculture purposes.

Did you know that composting is actually a remedial measure for environmental contamination? The composting process has been shown to absorb odors and treat semi-volatile and volatile organic compounds including heating fuels, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and explosives. These are all common pollutants. It also finds heavy metals and prevents them from migrating to water and other sources.

Using compost can reduce the need for water, fertilizer and pesticides. It also serves as a marketable commodity and is a low cost alternative to standard landfill cover.

Composting and all of us -so perfect together!

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.