There’s something awe-inspiring about transformation. When we see transformation, we see proof that there can be more, when we let go of what is. I’m not an entomologist, but I’d imagine the experience of a butterfly is much more exciting than the experience of a caterpillar. Transformation is beautiful. Transformation is awe-inspiring. And transformation is an iconic way we are shown God’s movement.

While the Israelites followed God to freedom, they followed a pillar that transformed between cloud and smoke. What strikes me is that in both cases, the Israelites followed God, but what it looked like changed depending on the context. That’s a metaphysical transformation. As for other metaphorical transformations in the Bible: each prophet  called for the transformation of social, political, and economic norms. Micah and Isaiah come to mind. But down to the physical: God transformed the appearance of people, specifically Jesus and Moses. And who can forget, when a wedding ran out of supplies, Jesus transformed water into wine (that’s not the recipe for today). Transforming seems to be God’s MO.

Those are exciting examples of transformation. I think transformation can also put us at ease. When we see things change, we remember that things can change. In chapters of life that can bring us down, the existence of transformation can remind us that life doesn’t have to stay this way. Transformation is something that God does, but often it’s something we’re invited to do together.

I think we’re meant to transform the world around us. Now, of course, there’s not always the opportunity to transform. We need to stay ready for when the opportunity comes. One way to stay ready is through having a practice. A practice of composting is a practice of transformation. By building a routine, we keep transformation in our consciousness. By building a routine we have evidence that we can be agents of transformation, taking what we’re taught is waste and making it fuel for life.

So is it just a practice? Well, no. Compost is a great way to nurture plants. It’s a practical way to cut your waste in half. Composting creates tangible benefits here and now. But it also serves as a powerful way to stay aware and ready.

Compost lasagna how-to

Lazy Lasagna (for those with other priorities)

Requirements: Your own yard, an area that measures 4 feet by 4 feet; ideally, 3 sections of 4 feet by 4 feet areas

Instructions:

1. Layer two inches of food scraps or grass clippings.
2. Layer two inches of cardboard, shredded paper, twigs or wood chips.
3. Alternate layers to build your compost lasagna.
4. After your pile is full, let it sit for a year.
5. Use the compost.

Hot compost (for those who want the best and can pay the time to perfect it)

Requirements: Your own yard, a 4 feet by 4 feet area, a pitch fork

Instructions:

1. Layer 4 inches of food scraps or grass clippings.
2. Layer 4  inches of cardboard, shredded paper, twigs or wood chips.
3. Alternate layers until about 4 feet tall.
4. Once the pile is at 4 feet, wait a week.
5. Every 4 days (twice a week) turn the pile, moving all the stuff from the outside to the inside and inside to the outside.
6. Compost should be completely broken down in about 6 weeks.

Trench composting (for the discrete composters)

Requirements: Your own yard, knowledge of power lines and other hazards, shovel

Instructions:

1. Plan where your garden will be.
2. Dig about 3 feet down.
3. Throw all your food scraps in there.
4. Cover with at least 1 foot of soil.
5. Plant your garden.

Worm composting (for the coolest and best people)

Requirements: a climate-controlled location like a basement, something to contain the worms

Instructions

1. Feed the worms plant-based food scraps.
2. Do not overfeed the worms.
3. Do not overwater.