Nicky Scott, Chairperson for the Community Composting Network in the UK, is the author of three small books (roughly 4 x 6 inches) dealing with waste reduction and has appeared in two videos about composting. His book, Composting – An Easy Household Guide, was originally published in 2005 and the second edition was released in 2006. The cover and all ninety-six pages are printed on 100% recycled paper.
This book is slightly more advanced than his smaller booklet, Composting For All. Both books discuss why compost is such an important factor in reducing stress on landfills. But here, Nicky shows how this one simple action can benefit everyone in the community and can actually affect global conditions as well. Nicky tells readers that approximately one-quarter of UK’s methane gas emissions (one of the gases that contributes to global warming) are due to organic waste in landfills, which are decomposing improperly. When composts are given aerobic conditions there is very little gas production.
Nicky shows other advantages such as less odor in garbage cans and less volume for curb-side pick-up services to deal with – therefore garbage will be put out on the curb less often.
Nicky demonstrates how to get the right mix in the compost for optimal decomposition conditions. He then explains some of the different composting bins sold commercially. There is the perfect bin available for different situations from apartment dwellers to individuals, situations involving pest issues (rats, etc) and communal composting. His book covers Dalek-type bins, tumblers, digesters, green cones, green Johanna’s, fermentation methods, worm bins and more.
Much of the information can be applied globally, though the stats and information in Composting- and Easy Household Guide is from the UK. Terms such as “fly tipping” have no definition in North America. The resource section is four pages long and provides information on seven organizations and lists three books and videos for readers to refer to.
Author: Nicky Scott
Illustrator: Roy Chadwick
Publisher: Green books (UK)
ISBN: 1-903998-78-6