The Secret Life of Compost

We don't need to poison the earth in order to grow better food, and what is harmful to the environment when improperly disposed of often can be turned back to the soil in a beneficial way through composting—if you know how. Here's how. Malcolm Beck's Garden-Ville is one of the largest commercial composting operations in the country. He shares his insight into the processes of decay that can transform everything from lawn trimmings to sewer sludge into life-giving earth. Coupled with Beck's insight into nature and practical advice are remarks from Charles Walters, author, founder of Acres U.S.A.

Charles Walters is the founder and executive editor of Acres U.S.A., North America’s oldest and largest magazine covering organic and sustainable agriculture issues. He has penned thousands of articles on the technologies of sustainable farming – dubbed "eco-agriculture" because it is both economical and ecological. Walters is the author of many books, including: Weeds: Control Without Poisons; A Farmer’s Guide to the Bottom Line; Mainline Farming for Century 21; Eco-Farm; Grass, the Forgiveness of Nature; and others. A leading proponent of raw material economics, he has served as president of NORM and has authored several books on economics, including his classic work, Unforgiven: The American Economic System Sold for Debt and War.