Kitchen Compost Crocks
Whether or not you have a kitchen composter, you may or may not want a kitchen compost crock. Somewhere to store your kitchen scraps and food waste before you trundle down to the end of the garden to the compost bin, can make life much more simple and the whole composting experience a lot more stylish.
Rather annoyingly, look on any online store for a kitchen composter and the thing that usually comes up is actually a kitchen compost keeper or compost crock. Don't get me wrong, these things are invaluable, but they do not create kitchen compost. They merely allow you somewhere tidy and attractive in which to store your kitchen scraps before you make it to the garden compost bin with them.
No matter what kind of compost you make, or what kind of system you use to make it, you always need somewhere to store those kitchen scraps. It is true; there is absolutely no need to buy a countertop compost crock. Any lidded container will do. Some people simply store all their kitchen scraps in a sandwich box in the freezer until they're ready to brave the great outdoors. But, you do need some kind of storage system, and though any container will do, ideally you want to avoid plastic as it absorbs smells like nothing else.
Ideally your countertop kitchen compost crock should be made of stainless steel, stoneware, glass or ceramic. This will ensure it is easy to clean and doesn’t absorb odours. Anything can be used but a tightly fitting lid is essential to prevent insect pests.
The purpose made compost crocks do have a few (non-essential) advantages over the ‘make do and mend’ approach. Firstly most come with a carbon filter which will completely eliminate any odours. Ideal in the summer or if you just don’t get out to the garden composter very often. Secondly they provide motivation to keep you composting.
I’m not suggesting you go and waste a fortune on something unnecessary. But, spending twenty or thirty dollars on something stylish or pretty tends to make us feel good. And, when that purchase is on display for all to see, I view it as an advert for garden composting to all your friends. With something lovely to look at, you’ll be more motivated to keep filling it up with kitchen scraps too.
