Problem Statement

What is the optimal types of clothing to decompose?

Hypothesis

If cotton clothing is exposed to nutrient rich soil for two months, it will break down quicker than the denim clothing.

Materials:

Nutrient-Rich Soil

Plastic 2L soda bottles

Cotton Fabric

Polyester Fabric

Denim Fabric

Compostable Materials

3 triangles of fishing line

Compost Thermometer

Procedure:

1. Gather Materials
2. Lay Fabrics in between triangle fishing line nets
3. Combine compostable materials within the limits of the noted ratios
4. Fill first container 2/3rds the way and place fabric/net on top
5. Fill the rest of container with compost
6. Repeat steps 2-4 with denim, cotton and polyester/nylon in both soil simulations
7. Insert thermometer into each container and record initial temperature
8. Take temperature every week
9. Record qualitative data upon every turnover for each container for 3 months

Constants:

• Container size
• Amount of compost
• Size of clothing
• Exposure to heat/cold
• Location

Note:

• Rotten egg smell means the soil is too wet
• Most effective: 3x3 ft (Our pile should be at least 1 meter³)
• MAX TEMP: 150-155 degrees
• 1:3 green material, 2:3 brown material (though, closer to 50:50)
  • Green material: kitchen scraps (pre consumer and organic for optimal results), grass clippings, plants
  • Brown material (Shred finely): leaves, wood clippings, shredded newspaper, straw
• Ready to use when it is dark, “earthy smelling”, and crumbly
• Decay slowest: newspaper corn stock and straw
• The larger the surface area the quicker decomposition occurs
• Carbon to Nitrogen Ratios: lower carbon amount the faster the breakdown of materials
  • 30:1 = ideal
  • <30:1 = loss of nitrogen/nutrients, odor release
  • >30:1 = limits growth of microbial populations
• Humus: end product in composting