Composting has been a cornerstone of my journey toward sustainable living, and like
any good journey, it’s had its share of twists & turns. It all started in San Diego, where I
was inspired by the city’s commitment to reducing waste. I decided to
give composting a try and bought a subsidized worm composting bin from the City of San Diego. It was a sealed, elevated, & odorless little setup—perfect for a beginner like me. I couldn’t wait to turn my food scraps into rich, healthy soil.
But then came the curveball: my landlord. Despite the bin being pest-proof & completely clean, she was convinced it would attract rats & cockroaches. To my dismay, she rewrote my lease to prohibit composting on the property. I felt deflated but wasn’t ready to give up. Thankfully, my neighbor turned out to be a hero in disguise. He offered me a small corner of his yard to set up my composting bin, and with his help, I was back on track. That experience taught me that sometimes, sustainability is a team sport.
Over the years, composting has grown from a simple habit to a deep passion. In fact,
this past year, I traveled the world to learn about farming & composting practices, and
what I discovered blew me away. In Vietnam, for instance, urban families are embracing “Organic Tower Gardens,” where food waste
decomposes at the base of vertical planters. It’s a brilliant solution for cramped city spaces. In Portugal, cities like Lisbon have community composting programs, while rural farmers use compost in agroforestry to rejuvenate their soil. Hungary surprised me with its mix of old & new—traditional “Bokor Composting” under bushes paired with urban vermicomposting projects. In Albania, I saw how trench composting supports rural farming, while in India, farmers use pits & cow dung to enhance decomposition. Everywhere I went, I saw how composting adapts to fit local needs & cultures. It reminded me how universal this practice is, yet how personal it can feel.
For me, the benefits of composting are undeniable. On an environmental level, I’ve
drastically cut down on household waste & kept organic matter out of landfills, reducing harmful methane emissions. Financially, it’s been a win too. I’ve saved on waste disposal & gardening supplies by creating my own high-quality soil amendments. But the personal rewards are perhaps the most surprising. Watching food scraps transform into vibrant, nutrient-rich soil is nothing short of magical. It’s a daily reminder that even small efforts can have a big impact.
Composting has taught me to be resourceful & persistent. From navigating landlord
restrictions to learning from diverse practices around the world, it’s been an incredible
journey of growth & connection. My hope is that by sharing my story, I can encourage
others to take that first step—whether it’s a small bin on a balcony or a bigger system in a backyard. Start where you can, experiment with what works, & discover the joy of
turning waste into life.
L.Darken