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Communicating Composting: How to Write a Meaningful Article
As leaders and communicators in the agriculture industry, we have probably heard of this practice before: Composting. What is it, why is it good, and is it worth my time? Here are some key points you can touch on when communicating this topic to your followers and audience:
“Composting is not difficult, time consuming or expensive”
A great way to assure your audience that your article is valuable is to state it, plain and simple. Clear explanation is key to readers resonating with your content.
The 5 W’s
Who is Composting? Folks just like you. A popular use of compost material is at the home.
What is composting? A natural process that breaks down organic materials into a biological soil amendment.
Where do I compost? Find a shady spot in your yard or garden that receives equal parts shade and sunshine, where you can easily walk compost materials outside.
When do I compost? Did you just finish a meal, or wrap up some yard work? If you have excess material, bring it outside and place it into your composting bin instead of throwing it in the garbage.
Here are examples:
Greens are high in nitrogen and include: grass clippings, pruning clippings, fruits and veggies, houseplants, livestock manure, and kitchen scraps like bread, egg shells, coffee grounds (including filters!), tea bags, citrus rinds, veggie peels, corn stalks and diseased plants!
Browns are high in carbon and include: leaves, bark, straw, woodchips, sawdust, shredded newspaper, chopped brush, dairy products and weed seeds!
DO NOT USE: bones, dog or cat manure, oil, grease, fat, wood ash or meat and fish scraps.
Why should I compost? Explain to your audience how they will benefit.
Did you know that on average we generate 1,700 pounds of yard waste a year? Backyard composting is good for the environment, cost effective, can heighten the growth of your lawn and garden, reduces yard waste and helps to recycle the SAME compost continually in your yard.
How do I compost? Use resources like UF/IFAS Extension to add credibility to your article:
The UF/IFAS Extension offers a program called “Compost Happens.” Once you attend a workshop, you take home your own compost bin! For more information visit http://hillsborough.ifas.ufl.edu/ffl/compost_happens.shtml.
Strong visuals can emphasize your case
Include strong images like the ones featured above to help readers visualize. Or embed video content, like this video from Kiss the Ground:
The tools used to communicate composting can be used to communicate a number of different topics. Be clear, concise, visual, and -most importantly- helpful, and your audience will love your content!
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