Death is a big bummer. But chemicals used to preserve dead bodies are a big bummer, too.

Luckily, there are some folks who are dedicated to finding ways to “green” death. One way: placing a dead body in a compost bin and turning it into compost. Really.

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Did you know that compost piles are great for turning coffee grounds, eggshells and potato peelings into nutrient-rich soil for your plants? Okay, that’s the upside. The downside is it’s a heap of grossness that isn’t pretty to look at and doesn’t smell as good as the daises it helps to grow. Don’t give up on your compost just yet – build a pretty bin to hide the ick in just six steps.

Better Homes and Gardens has the goods on how to build a backyard compost bin that looks snazzy and comes together quickly. All you need is four two-by-four wood planks, two lengths of lattice panels, a couple of clothesline hooks and a few hand tools. Essentially all you need to do is jam the posts into the ground, use the lattice paneling as walls to form the enclosure, then add a gate so you can get to the compost easily. Check the website for exact measurements and step-by-step instructions to have your very own compost bin up and running in an afternoon.

To be honest, as much as we love how quickly this bad boy can be put together, the lattice paneling didn’t really grab us. There are plenty of other options to try, though. We think bamboo or responsibly harvested wood solid paneling would look great. Have you built your own compost bin? We’d love to hear your best tips in the comments.

Image by normanack

The post DIY Compost Bin Turns Scraps Into Soil appeared first on EcoSalon.