zerowaste

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Discussing ways to reduce waste and build community!

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Tips for disposing of fallen leaves (slrpnk.net)

submitted 2 years ago by andrewrgross@slrpnk.net to c/zerowaste@slrpnk.net

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My mom was complaining that the city has limits on how many leaves that they'll pick up, and she's got bags and bags of leaves stuffed into black garbage bags. This seems like a problem that should have some kind of backyard solution.

I've done a cursory search, and see that leaves are very compostable. They can also apparently be turned into "mold", though I don't fully understand what this means.

But I also see that there is a lot of variety in compost bins, and they're quite expensive. So I'm wondering: what's the best strategy for making leaves go away? She's not specifically interested in the product of the leaves, she just wants to find somewhere to put them after she rakes them up. Any ideas?

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[–] PlaidBaron@lemmy.world 2 points 2 years ago (1 children)

Is it practical to mulch them? Run them over with a mower and let them rot naturally. Its better for your lawn in the long run if you keep the nutrients on your lawn instead of constantly throwing them away.

[–] andrewrgross@slrpnk.net 2 points 2 years ago

That's an interesting idea. I'll add that to stuff to try. Thanks!

[–] theinfamousj@parenti.sh 1 points 2 years ago

"Leaf Mold" is the name given to that absolutely rich, fluffy, amazing turf found in forests. Could they have named it better so we don't think of food gone rotten on the counter? Maybe. But it is a lovely, wonderful, amazing thing.

Best thing to do with leaves is leave them alone. Let them turn to fabulously delicious soil where they fall. And bonus, fewer chores to do. Plus you can sell all those leaf rakes and get some storage space back.