Now you're talking! A lot of the beautique farmers here are going "biodynamic"/"macrodynamic". I can't remember the exat phrase but it's basically about soil health. Critters are the key!
Biodynamic farming accounts for about 10% of all agriculture in the EU, a lot of it in vineyards. If you're drinking imported wine from the EU, you're getting the benefits.
@toxcrusadr with respect...
I am neither an environmental chemist nor a composter. It is certainly good to hear that newspaper ink is being made from materials more human-friendly than was the case in the past.
My input here is coming only from a place of caution. And while I do not have your knowledge or qualifications, I am also someone who has noted that chemicals come and go. They usually "go" when, after years or decades, they have been "discovered" to have some adverse affect on the health of humans, animals or plant life.
You say that "...the composting process can degrade and detoxify a lot of organic chemicals...". Italics are my edit. Those words would not inspire me to feed veggies grown in a garden composted with newspaper to my kids.
You are most likely correct in your assessment. But there are always unknown variables. There is more to newspaper than just ink. What chemicals, organic or inorganic, might be used throughout the manufacturing process? And how might that process change tomorrow or next month?
My only point: if there is uncertainty, why not err on the side of caution? Not putting the newspaper into the compost would be a very easy thing to do...
@ the OP: I too apologize for thread-jacking. I promise not to follow-up any further
@ bentpencil :lmao:
Sure, you want to be cautious about what you introduce into your vegetable garden or compost pile but newspaper is benign. I know a few organic gardeners that use newspaper to mulch between rows. It keeps the weeds away, retains soil moisture, and adds zinc, an essential palnt nutrient.
FWIW, If I was the Governor of this State, every property owner with more than 1/4 acre of real estate would be required to have a working compost bin. There is too much energy consumed and pollution generated to remove lawn waste. Besides, compost is the best soil ammendment you can get, it is
Black gold.
In case any of you find that you really enjoy mulching leaves, we have someone giving away FREE bags of leaves on our local CL.
I imagine shipping will be extra, but hey, they're FREE.
Reminds me to gather up my nerighbor's carefully bagged leaves, the ones in those new biodegradable paper bags. They should stack really nice around my house foundation for added insulation. In the Spring, I'll add them to the compost pile and use them for mulch. Thanks neighbors!:thmbsp:
About mowing leaves: I've worked at three golf courses and we mowed as many leaves as we could. The residue of chopped leaves adds the carbon element into the turf, reduces gathering efforts, and saves energy.
IMO, we, as property owners, spend an inordinate amount of time and energy raking leaves. Of course, who doesn't like getting out on the lawn on a nice sunny day, raking leaves, making piles for the kids, and sprucing up the yard but there is really no need. Somehow, we have developed a fear of turf destruction or an attitude that a leaf-covered lawn looks unkempt. I don't follow either of those mantras. Some years, the leaves stay of the lawn if I don't get around to mowing them. I have never raked leaves on any on this property and I have more than a few trees.
I found out a few weeks ago that I had attained some noteriety about the condition of my lawn from the local Police Dept.. The Community Service officer stopped by our garage sale and said that a few guys on the force told him I had one of the best looking lawns. Crappy looking house but a nice yard, lol.
