Curious what you would do if you were in my shoes...
I built some
compost bins on my new property a couple of months ago. They took a while to build since I made them from old lumber and other odds and ends laying around, and throughout the process our new neighbors were very interested in what I was building. They expressed interest in about how they have always wanted to compost, etc. etc. They have also been very receptive to gifts we have given them like homemade jam. They are renovating their house right now and offer us all their old building materials before throwing them away, which is nice. They understand that we repurpose them and are using them to renovate our own place.
I noticed they cut their grass and dispose of their clipping in their trash bin for weekly pickup. Since I don't collect grass and have a plethora of leaves, I was thinking about offering for them just to dump their grass onto my compost bin. My only concern is that I know they use chemical fertilizers, pest control, and the occasional weed killer. They don't have a beautifully manicured
lawn, but it is definitely prettier than mine for obvious reason. I don't think they go overboard on lawn applications, but I do know it is there.
So my question is,
should I let them add their grass clippings to my compost or not? I figure doing so would enhance our long-term neighborly relationship and also introduce them to more
sustainable practices; however, there is the obvious concern about what is going into my compost. I plan on later down the road encouraging them to add kitchen scraps as well after discussing with them about what I would not like them to add (e.g., meat, oil,
dairy, citrus).
Some background notes I should add. 1) My compost bin is literally 20 feet away from their lawn, which makes me think that whatever they are putting down is already spreading to my compost. 2) I know my property hasn't been chemical free for the past 50 years. Family has been applying pest control and weed killer, but we have stopped doing so now. 3) This is not going to be a forever home or use for major food production. I do have a tea/herb garden and have planted a few fruit trees/bushes that I can tend until they mature, but eventually this will turn into a family vacation home and/or short-term rental property.
Hoping to hear some other voices. Thanks everyone!
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