Since we were wee ones, we've admired Captain Planet: the luscious green hair, the glowing blue skin, those bulging biceps and his charming promises to bring pollution down to zero. Apparently, the dude's been asleep on the job, and it doesn't look like he's going to save us from global warming anytime soon. So, planeteer, take things into your own hands, one bucket of garbage at a time. Unless your apartment can house polar bear refugees, we suggest you start easy by learning how to compost.
Every month, the Composting Educational Facility in the rolling hills of Griffith Park offers a free class on dirt and banana peels, led by volunteers who'll give you the dos and don'ts of waste saving. The compost pros also encourage the craft by selling handy composting bins at discounted rates to L.A. residents. Garden lovers can choose from different methods of composting with the Garden Machine ($20), the Biostack ($45) and the delightfully named Worm Bin ($5). Be prepared for a hands-on experience, and leave your evening gown at home—there’s a chance you’ll be mucking around in soil. Also, worms are key. Get ready to become friendly with them.
Composting is a Captain P-worthy activity not only because it produces happy plants, but also because the process reduces waste going into landfills and cuts down on garbage for the city to transport. Also a plus: Intentionally rotting your apple cores and potato skins via composting can reduce water consumption because compost-rich soil needs less sprinkler action. High-five.
The process of reusing everything from coffee grinds to newspaper is good for our Mama Earth, but for a number of apartment dwellers, the green activity is a little tricky. Like your unemployed roommate, compost piles can become smelly and draw flies, so the pile is better (revelation!) left outside. If you don’t have access to a garden, we suggest you make a neighbor happy and ask if they need worms and dirt. You may be surprised by who takes you up on the offer.
When: 10 a.m.-noon, every fourth Saturday of every month. For composters in need of a bin, pick one up the second Friday of every month from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and on workshop days.
Where: Griffith Park Composting Educational Facility, 5400 Griffith Park Dr.
Price: Free for L.A. residents.
Tip: There’s a chance you may leave class smelling a little like the zoo, so you might as well pay a visit to the nearby
animal house before hitting the showers.
