UGArden – Saloni Gupta

In this picture, at first glance, I see a large, jumbled pile filled with grass cuttings, leaves, orange and banana peels, and a sunflower. However, what I notice is the beginnings of the beneficial natural process of composting. What seems like an ordinary pile is actually being recycled into dark, nutrient-rich productive soil (pictured in the back) which I think is so incredible. This compost pile is productively using raw materials to give back to the soil. It is housing invisible organic matter and beneficial bacteria and putting it all back into the system. Many natural processes take a long time, so; it is kind of mind-boggling to think that the UGArden uses composting to transform a six-month process into a just a few weeks while still contributing to and enriching the soil. This picture makes me think about people taking the environment into their own hands, understanding its needs, and genuinely wanting to help and nourish it. It makes me think about the fresh vegetables and fruits I eat. The reason why I am able to truly enjoy my food and retain the nutrients I need is because the fruits and vegetables are growing in quality rich soil due to composting. It also makes me think about how easy composting can be based on the materials shown in the picture. Since fruits such as oranges and bananas are already part of my regular diet, it is hard to think of an excuse to not put the peels into a composting bin than opt for the trashcan. I think this picture is about hard work, care, and awareness. The people of UGArden have truly put in genuine hard work because they care about the environment. They understand the benefits of composting and the effects it can have on the soil and then later on to the fruits and vegetables we eat to get our nutrients from. It makes people, like me, aware of composting and why it is important to look after the soil and environment since we depend our whole lives on it.