Next Monday is the start of International Compost Awareness Week and the Culver City Public Works Environmental Programs and Operations Division, along with American Organics, is giving away free compost in celebration.

The giveaway will take place this Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 12 noon in the parking lot next to the Bone Yard Dog Park.   The Dog Park is located at the top of Bill Botts Park.

Like many of you, Martin Feinberg, Culver City Realtor, was not even aware that International Compost Awareness Week existed, but free compost is always a good thing. Compost can improve the quality of soil or keep high quality soil in good shape. It can also aid in the growth of healthy plants while reducing the use of fertilizer and pesticides. Keeping gardening organic improves water quality and helps to protect the environment.

Culver City Real Estate is lucky to include many communities that care about the environment and being good stewards.

Be aware that this is labeled a “self-haul” event, meaning that shovels won’t be provided. Residents should bring their own tools and compost carrying containers. Garbage bags, yard waste bags, reusable containers, truck beds, or trailers are all acceptable.

It is recommended that compost be mixed together with top soil or other gardening fill—60% top soil and 40% compost—for best results.   The compost in this event comes from American Organics, which is part of a recycling loop. A.O. receives local Culver City organic material and creates the compost on site.

According to A.O. “the compost material is OMRI Listed® (Organic Materials Review Institute) and licensed by the California Dept. of Food and Agriculture. It is approved for use in agricultural operations that are certified organic under the USDA National Organic Program.”

For more information call Public Works Environmental Programs and Operations Customer Service at 310-253-6400. Martin Feinberg, Realtor, hopes many will take advantage of this opportunity.