There is no waste in nature. What is waste for humans is fertilizer for plants. When we give to plants, they give back to us. Composting is giving back to the nature and to mother earth, and we are gifted back multifold.
This meaning is very well understood from the verse of Bhagwag Gita, Chapter 3, Verse 12:
'इष्टान्भोगान्हि वो देवा दास्यन्ते यज्ञभाविताः।
तैर्दत्तानप्रदायैभ्यो यो भुङ्क्ते स्तेन एव सः।।'
Translation: 'The gods, nourished by sacrifices, will give you the desired necessities of life. He who enjoys these gifts, without offering them to the gods in return, is undoubtedly a thief.'
This verse can be interpreted to mean that when we give back to nature through acts of care and nourishment (analogous to sacrifices), nature reciprocates by providing us with the necessities of life. In the context of composting, when we return organic matter to the soil (a form of giving), the soil becomes enriched and, in turn, provides us with healthier plants and crops. This cyclical relationship highlights the importance of contributing to nature, as it ensures that we receive its bounties in return.
By composting, we are essentially participating in a natural yajna (sacrifice), where our offerings (organic waste) nourish the earth, and in return, we are blessed with fertile soil and abundant harvests. This creates a sustainable cycle of giving and receiving that benefits both nature and ourselves.
This interpretation aligns well with the principle that selfless giving to nature leads to receiving multifold benefits, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a harmonious relationship with the environment.
Making compost at home is a small but impactful step towards making the world a better place. With the increasing population and rapid urbanization, the amount of waste generated by our homes and communities is also growing at an alarming rate. This waste not only takes up valuable space in landfills but also contributes to environmental degradation and pollution.
By making compost at home, we can reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and turn it into a valuable resource for our gardens. Composting is a natural process of decomposing organic matter into a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used to fertilize plants and improve soil health. It not only helps in reducing waste but also promotes sustainable living by reusing and recycling resources.
Even if you live in a small apartment, you can still make compost at home. Manjushree Rathi, Director of ME Holistic Centre, has demonstrated how she was able to make compost in her 500 square feet apartment with no balconies or terraces. She also made compost on her terrace with just a small investment of rupees 5 earlier in her previous home. Her video on YouTube shows how she was able to make compost without any smell, fuss, or fruit flies.
Making compost not only benefits the environment but also our health. By reducing waste and recycling organic matter, we can improve air and water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, using compost in our gardens can improve soil health, increase crop yields, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
By making compost at home, we can also connect with nature and feel a sense of inner satisfaction. It is a simple yet powerful way to take action towards a more sustainable and healthier world. So, let's start today and do our part for the environment!
Make Compost in Rs 5:
Compost in 500 Sq.ft flat which has no balconies or terraces:
The book 'The Complete Guide to Composting' by Manjushree Rathi can be seen on the following link:
The Complete Guide to Composting: Turn Your Trash into Treasure & Save the Environment https://amzn.in/d/0eLh6iRH
Manjushree Rathi Director , ME Holistic Centre www.meholisticcentre.com
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