If you read our recent post on garbage disposals, then you’re probably aware of the impact that food waste has on our landfills and water supplies.  Organic waste produces methane gas, a greenhouse which is harmful to the environment, and 21 times more damaging than carbon dioxide. (Source:  NatureMill)

The best way to avoid contributing to the environmental problems associated with improperly disposed food waste is by using a composter as part of your green living efforts.  The compost bin above, recently featured by Ideal Bite, can be used indoors or out, and allows you to add new items at any time during the cycle.

According to the NatureMill, the Plus Edition automatic composter will compost up to 120 lbs. or organic waste per month, and prevent more than 2 tons of landfill waste over the course of its life.  There’s also a ‘Pro Edition’ for large families.  I like the foot pedal for conveniently opening the unit.  The finished compost is automatically sifted down from the heated top “churn” area into a removable  tray.

If you’re worried about your home being overtaken by the icky aroma of composting food, it doesn’t seem to be an issue.  According NatureMill, the composter is odor-free.

Here’s a non-automatic, outdoor composter that requires a manual spin every day or so.

Here’s a convenient way to prevent endless trips to your outdoor compost pile. Recycle kitchen waste in a compost jar. This ceramic compost jar has a tightly sealing lid and a built-in filter to prevent odors. Plow & Hearth recommends using biodegradable kitchen bags with the compost crock to allow heat and moisture to escape. Counter top compost jars and compost pails are also available in brass and stainless steel.

Preventing you kitchen waste from being sucked down the garbage disposal or washed away by the dishwasher is beneficial to the environment. Composting enriches soil, helps absorb pollutants and heavy metals, and reduces the need for pesticides. Find more information on the benefits of composting from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Putting your kitchen waste and lawn clippings to work through composting is an excellent way to live green. Not only are you making use of would-be trash, you’re creating rich, nutrient-dense soil for your garden. Although many green living advocates use simple barrels or bins for creating compost, here’s an alternative if you want a faster way to create compost.

The Tumbleweed Compost Tumbler claims to create compost in as little as four weeks. With a daily spin, the tumbling bin rotates on a center axis to allow users to spin the tumbler around, breaking down the contents of the bin, introducing more oxygen to the contents, and ultimately creating compost in a shorter period of time. I found the Tumblweed Compost Tumbler at Green Living for $199.