ORGANIC FARMING STARTS WITH COMPOSTING

ORGANIC FARMING STARTS WITH COMPOSTING

In the quiet village where I live, there’s a sight that breaks my heart repeatedly: heaps of fallen leaves and pruned branches stuffed into large garbage bags, waiting for garbage trucks to haul them off to a dumpsite or landfill. It’s not just the image of green waste being treated as trash that pains me—it’s all the lost opportunities that go along with it.

What a waste.

What a waste of biodegradable materials that could have breathed new life into our depleted soils. What a waste of those garbage bags, many of which are plastic and will likely break down into microplastics that pollute our waterways and oceans. What a waste of village workers' time—time that could have been used to earn a bit more by producing compost or even selling organic fertilizer. What a waste of the chance to teach our children and neighbors about recycling, sustainability, and organic farming.

Most of all, what a waste of the diesel burned by garbage trucks, belching out carbon just to transport organic matter that never should’ve left the soil in the first place.

Why are we sending this potential goldmine to rot in a landfill, taking up space that should be reserved for truly unrecyclable waste? And worse, why are some still burning leaves and branches, despite laws like RA 9003 clearly banning open burning? This is not just a question of pollution—it’s a matter of missed purpose.

Let’s get one thing straight: organic farming begins with composting. If we are truly serious about food security, about healthier produce, and about sustainable agriculture, then composting must be at the heart of our efforts. It is where the cycle begins—and where waste turns back into life.

Instead of bagging yard waste, we could be shredding leaves and branches. Not only does shredding reduce their volume by up to 20 times, but it also accelerates decomposition. Shredded materials compost faster because they have more surface area for microbes to work on. That means faster compost, healthier soil, and more resilient crops.

Shredded leaves also make excellent mulch. Spread over garden beds, they suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate temperature—all while slowly feeding the earth with nutrients as they break down. This natural cycle improves not just crop yield but also soil biodiversity, benefiting insects, birds, and microorganisms that keep ecosystems balanced.

Let’s also talk money: composting saves on fertilizer costs, reduces garbage collection expenses, and can even create revenue streams. Communities can establish barangay-level composting centers, turning “trash” into sellable organic fertilizer and soil conditioners. Imagine unemployed youth trained in shredding and composting, earning money while keeping the environment clean.

And let’s not forget the law. Dumping yard waste in canals, sidewalks, or rivers is not only irresponsible—it’s illegal. Under MMDA regulations and national laws, violators face fines of ₱300 to ₱1,000, and in some cases, even short jail time or mandatory community service. Burning waste is equally punishable, and for good reason—it releases toxic fumes and greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change and harming respiratory health.

So why do we keep repeating the same mistakes? Is it ignorance, convenience, or just a lack of imagination?

Instead of criminalizing behavior, perhaps we should start by empowering people. Give them access to shredders, compost bins, and training sessions. Encourage them with community reward systems or “green points” that can be converted into goods or services. Composting should not feel like a burden—it should be a source of pride, purpose, and even profit.

We have so much to gain. And yet, every time I see garbage bags stuffed with green waste, I feel like we’re burying our future along with our trash.

We don’t need to look far for a solution. The fallen leaves on our sidewalks, the branches trimmed from our trees—they are not trash. They are the beginning of something better.

If organic farming is the path to healthier people and a healthier planet, then composting is the first and most important step. And the best part? We already have everything we need to begin—right here in our own backyards.

Let’s stop wasting and start composting.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-24-2025