Eco Tips

How to create your own compost in 7 steps

Did you know that from 1999 to 2009, Xel-Há has generated more than 2,000 tons of compost? All the organic material is used to create the compost at the Park that serves as a rich source of food for the lush vegetation for Cancún and the Riviera Maya. The method is simple and can be easily replicated in your home. There are several ways to create your own compost, here you can see one of those methods.

 

1.- Find or buy a container with a fitted lid. It must be small. We recommend a 3 or 4 gallon plastic pail. Make a space for it under the sink.

2.- Drill holes in the lid. Then super-glue a litterbox filter, felt or bristle pads to the lid, covering the holes.

3.- Line the pail with dry bedding: ripped up newspaper, cardboard and add garden soil or prepared compost.

 

 

4.- Collect food scraps from meal preparation, compostable scraps at the end of meals, when cleaning out cabinets or refrigerator.

What to compost: Fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds and paper filters, tea bags, egg shells.

What NOT to compost: meats, fish, dairy products or anything greasy.

 

 

5.- Dump your scraps in the bucket, layer more dry bedding over scraps. Scatter more finished compost or soil over that. Snap the lid closed.

6.- Stir the contents of your compost every week or so.

7.- Repeat process until the pail is full. You will know your compost is ready when it is crumbly brown soil and smells earthy.

 

 

 

What to do with your compost

Use it for your garden. The compost has great nutrients that your plants will be happy to have.

If you don’t have a garden, donate it to a friend or family member that can use it.

 

How does Xel-Há compost

The park has a recycling center that separates waste generated in public areas, consumption centers, and other operations in the park such as offices and maintance. Each year, we use more than 80 tons of organic waste for composting, which is later used in the gardening areas. In addition, we use nearly 15 tons of cardboard, glass and plastic.

 

What other eco-friendly actions can you take at home?

 

Suggested articles:

See How we take care of the environment

See Protecting endangered species in Xel-Há

Find more composting tips here: Composting 101