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• ZERO Origination Fees • ZERO Lender Fees • PLUS A Low Rate and $1000 Credit Towards 3rd Party Costs* *$1000 credit for loans greater than $150,000 SAVE THOUSANDS WITH ZEROPLUS! Here is an example of ACTUAL savings by a REAL client:

1% Mortgage Origination has been waived: Underwriting fee has been waived: Processing fee has been waived: Keller Mortgage - ZeroPlus lender credit: Total Savings: Based off a $427,500 loan amount in November 2018 $4275 $875.00 $625.00 $1000.00 $6775.00

JOHN BROPHY Realtor 480-269-1705

Keller Williams Sonoran Living

SA656578000

www.johnbrophy.com • johnbrophyhomes@gmail.com

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HAPPY

DAY

Love is in the air... but so is a bunch of other stuff! HOME INVENTORY HOW-TO By Michelle Donati-Grayman, you create a list of your belongings, AAA Arizona organized by room.

In the event of a fi re or other damage to your property, would you be able to remember all of the items you lost? Having an up-to-date home inventory can help you get back on your feet faster after a disaster.

Building a home inventory can seem like a daunting task, but doesn’t need to.

GETTING STARTED

• Make it a goal to create an inventory for one space in your house each week, such as the kitchen or entertainment center, and soon you’ll have a complete list. Document your valuables with general descriptions, cost, and when and where they were purchased. Record serial numbers, if applicable. They are usually found on the back or bottom of major appliances and electronic equipment. Then, move on to the next space you need to document.

• Make sure you have suffi cient insurance coverage for big-ticket items, such as jewelry, art and collectibles. They may have increased in value and may require an endorsement in addition to your standard homeowners or renters insurance policy. Save receipts and appraisal documents with your inventory.

• Don’t forget items that may be tucked away in a garage, attic or storage shed.

USE TECHNOLOGY TO MAKE THE PROCESS EASIER

• There are many free apps that can help • You can also use a handheld camera or the camera on your cell phone to take photos or video to document your possessions.

KEEP YOUR HOME INVENTORY UP-TO-DATE AND IN A SAFE PLACE

• Your home inventory is only useful if it is accurate and accessible when you need it. Make a habit of adding any signifi cant new purchases and receipts to your list.

• If you have a paper inventory, keep a copy somewhere outside of your home, such as in a safe deposit box or with a trusted family member or friend. Make a digital backup of your paper list by taking a picture of it, or scanning and uploading it to a cloud storage service.

• If your list is digital, keep a copy of it on an external drive or cloud storage service. Photos and video you take with your phone may automatically be saved to cloud storage. Check your mobile phone settings to be sure.

• If using an app, make sure the information you enter is backed up and that you know how to access it when you need it.

Once your inventory is created, add up the replacement costs for all of your items, and discuss your situation with your insurance agent to make sure you have the right coverage.

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At Brookdale, we are changing perceptions of aging. Actually, we’re doing more than that. We’re celebrating aging by redefining what it means to live well. But, of course, our residents use cool technology, too, like tablets, social media and video-chatting to connect with family and friends.

We don’t just meet expectations; we exceed them! CALL TODAY! What’s the di erence between us and big banks? We’re your personal shopper, and work with several lenders to o er Mention this ad for a FREE appraisal. Brookdale Central Paradise Valley is an exceptional Independent Living and you hundreds of mortgage products, not just two or three. As a result, you get: · LOWER RATES · MORE OPTIONS · FASTER CLOSINGS Plus, we’re licensed, know the market, and follow the trends. YOUR Arizona Mortgage Advantage. WORK WITH A MORTGAGE EXPERT. CALL 602-930-2529 TODAY. Craig Turley Owner/CMC Arizona Mortgage Advantage, LLC Jaclyn Payne NMLS #: 209965 AZ LO 0912190 CNN Mortgage Senior Loan Originator Direct: (480) 296-7830 Cell: (602) 820-5291 Fax: (480) 907-2269 jpayne@cnnmortgage.com www.cnnmortgage.com/jaclynpayne 7025 East Greenway Parkway Suite 100 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 LHM Financial Corporation dba CNN Mortgage, Corporate NMLS # 148530. Toll free: 877.443.9090. Information is subject to change without notice. This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will qualify. Licensed by the Arizona Department Financial Institution, License No. BK0901814. *Mention this ad at time of application, which extends a free appraisal. Borrower BrookdaleBrandWorks 15502 HA Brookdale Riverwalk Independent Living�|�Alzheimer's & Dementia Assisted Living�|�Skilled Nursing 350 Calloway Drive Bakersfield, CA 93312 RCFE # 157203395, SNF # 120000555, COA # 320 SAVE RSVP TODAY! Bringing New Life to Senior Living® brookdale.com © 2018 Brookdale Senior Living Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.183034-Central Paradise Valley SC Shh, come sneak a peek You’re about to have more options than ever for those in your care with dementia. And knowing what this could mean for them, we’re too excited to wait on the reveal. We invite you to be one of the first to experience the benefits of our new Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care at this Sneak Peek. Thursday, December 6 3 to 5 p.m. Complimentary admission, appetizers and drinks For reservations, call (602) 953-3600 by November 30. Brookdale Central Paradise Valley Independent Living Assisted Living Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care 13240 North Tatum Boulevard Phoenix, Arizona 85032 ©2017 Brookdale Senior Living Inc. All rights reserved. BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING and BRINGING NEW LIFE TO SENIOR LIVING are the registered trademarks of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. For more information, callCare (661) 587-0221 Brookdale Central Paradise Valley 13240 N Tatum Blvd • Phoenix 85032 (602) 953-3600 Assisted Living retirement community serving residents and their families. COMING SOON: New Alzheimer's and dementia care Clare Bridge program opening in Spring 2019. Now accepting deposits. Secure your apartment home today. www.azmortgagebroker.com craig@azmortgagebroker.com Company NMLS 1561316, AZ MB 0938970, Individual NMLS 80917, AZ LO 0920832. is responsible for closing costs incurred if the loan does not close and/or is not funded by CNN Mortgage. A borrower may not use this offer to obtain a refund for appraisal in the event that a loan fails to close or fund. This offer cannot be used with any other discount or promotion. This offer expires December 30, 2018. This is an advertisement. Bringing New Life to Senior Living® UP TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on a Home Purchase or Refinance UP TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on a Home Purchase or Refinance PROTECT YOUR Giving to Heroes is an exclusive “Give Back” program o ered by Bay Equity and Donna Londot. Bay Equity and Realtors credit a significant amount toward real estate closing costs. You're already a hero and eligible to participate if you work for or are retired from the following industries:SAVE SAVE UP TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on a Home Purchase or Refinance SAVE UP TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on a Home Purchase or Refinance Giving to Heroes Bay Equity and significant amount toward real estate closing costs. You're already a hero and eligible to participate if you work for or are retired from the following industries: BUSINESS YOUR WAY POTENTIAL SAVINGS EXAMPLES* MILITARY TEACHERS POTENTIAL SAVINGS EXAMPLES* MILITARY TEACHERSMEDICALFIREFIGHTERS GOVERNMENTLAW ENFORCEMENT SAVE UP TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on a Home Purchase or Refinance UP TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on a Home Purchase or Refinance Giving to Heroes is an exclusive “Give Back” program o ered by Bay Equity and Donna Londot. Bay Equity and Realtors credit a significant amount toward real estate closing costs. Giving to Heroes is an exclusive “Give Back” program o ered by Bay Equity and Donna Londot. Bay Equity and Realtors credit a significant amount toward real estate closing costs.

Restaura Retail Purchase Price nts $175,000 (3.5% Down Payment) Purchase Price $175,000 (3.5% Down Payment) $250,000 (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) $500,000 $750,000$250,000 (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) $500,000 $750,000 Giving to Heroes is an exclusive “Give Back Bay Equity and Donna Londot. Bay Equity and Realtors credit a significant amount toward real estate closing costs. Giving to Heroes is an exclusive “Give Back” program o ered by You're already a hero and eligible to participate if you work for or are retired from the following industries: You're already a hero and eligible to participate if you work for or are retired from the following industries: Apartmen HOA's Loan Amount Lender Credit 0.25% of the Loan Amount ts $168,875 $200,000 $422 $500 $400,000 $1,000 $600,000 $1,500 Loan Amount $168,875 $200,000 $400,000 $600,000 Lender Credit 0.25% of the Loan Amount $422 $500 $1,000 $1,500 You're already a hero and eligible to participate if you work for or are retired from the following industries:Bay Equity and Donna Londot. Bay Equity and Realtors credit a significant amount toward real estate closing costs. MILITARY MEDICALFIREFIGHTERSTEACHERS GOVERNMENTLAW ENFORCEMENTMILITARY MEDICALFIREFIGHTERSTEACHERS GOVERNMENTLAW ENFORCEMENT

Restrictions apply. Discounts may vary. Not available in all states. See your agent for details. Insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange and other a liated insurance companies. Visit farmers.com for a complete listing of companies. Not all insurers are authorized to provide insurance in all states. Coverage is not available in all states. Call 623.742.1280 today! For Home, Auto, Life and Business. Steve Stanley Your Local Agent 4050 E GREENWAY RD STE 2 PHOENIX, AZ 85032 SSTANLEY1@FARMERSAGENT.COM https://agents.farmers.com/sstanley1 *The above figures represent estimates, scenarios and approximations for educational purposes only and may be subject to change based on transaction specifics, including but not limited to: purchase price, loan amount, real estate agent earned commissions and other factors. Examples are based on 0.25% of the loan amount from the lender and 10% of the real estate agent commission base of 2.5%. Real Estate Agent credit cannot be used or given in conjunction with or in addition to any other special other, program, rebate, credit, refund, or referral service/referral broker. For Purchase Transactions: For the Real Estate Agent credit to apply, the Agent must participate in the Giving to Heroes program. Borrower may use a non-participating Real Estate Agent in the purchase transaction, but with no real estate agent credit to the borrower. For Sale Transactions: Lender credit does not apply to sale transactions. For Refinances: Real estate agent credit does not apply to refinance transactions. Purchase Price Loan Amount Potential Credit at Closing $175,000 (3.5% Down Payment) $168,875 $860 $250,000 (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) $200,000 $1,125 $500,000 $400,000 $2,250 $750,000 $600,000 Lender Credit 0.25% of the Loan Amount $422 $500 $1,000 $1,500 Realtor Credit 10% of Realtor Commission $438 $625 $1,250 $1,875 $3,375 POTENTIAL SAVINGS EXAMPLES* MILITARY MEDICALFIREFIGHTERSTEACHERS GOVERNMENTLAW ENFORCEMENT SAVE UP TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on a Home Purchase or Refinance Giving to Heroes is an exclusive “Give Back” program o ered by Bay Equity and Donna Londot. Bay Equity and Realtors credit a significant amount toward real estate closing costs. You're already a hero and eligible to participate if you work for or are retired from the following industries: BEHL Todd Uzzell Loan Officer 1525192 Direct: 480-330-1724 tuzzell@bayeq.com Donna Londot HomeSmart Elite Realtor Direct: 602-369-0829 Donna@DonnaLondot.com *The above figures represent estimates, scenarios and approximations for educational purposes only and may be subject to change based on transaction specifics, including but not limited to: purchase price, loan amount, real estate agent earned commissions and other factors. Examples are based on 0.25% of the loan amount from the lender and 10% of the real estate agent commission base of 2.5%. Real Estate Agent credit cannot be used or given in conjunction with or in addition to any other special other, program, rebate, credit, refund, or referral service/referral broker. For Purchase Transactions: For the Real Estate Agent credit to apply, the Agent must participate in the Giving to Heroes program. Borrower may use a non-participating Real Estate Agent in the purchase transaction, but with no real estate agent credit to the borrower. For Sale Transactions: Lender credit does not apply to sale transactions. For Refinances: Real estate agent credit does not apply to refinance transactions. Potential Credit at Closing $860 $1,125 $2,250 Realtor Credit 10% of Realtor Commission $438 $625 $1,250 $1,875 $3,375 Todd Uzzell Loan Officer 1525192 Direct: 480-330-1724 tuzzell@bayeq.com www. *The above figures represent estimates, scenarios and approximations for educational purposes only and may be subject to change based on transaction specifics, including but not limited to: purchase price, loan amount, real estate agent earned commissions and other factors. Examples are based on 0.25% of the loan amount from the lender and 10% of the real estate agent commission base of 2.5%. Real Estate Agent credit cannot be used or given in conjunction with or in addition to any other special other, program, rebate, credit, refund, or referral service/referral broker. For Purchase Transactions: For the Real Estate Agent credit to apply, the Agent must participate in the Giving to Heroes program. Borrower may use a non-participating Real Estate Agent in the purchase transaction, but with no real estate agent credit to the borrower. For Sale Transactions: Lender credit does not apply to sale transactions. For Refinances: Real estate agent credit does not apply to refinance transactions. Potential Credit at Closing $860 $1,125 $2,250 Realtor Credit 10% of Realtor Commission $438 $625 $1,250 $1,875 $3,375 BEHL Todd Uzzell Loan Officer 1525192 Direct: 480-330-1724 tuzzell@bayeq.com www.DonnaLondot.com Donna Londot HomeSmart Elite Realtor Direct: 602-369-0829 Donna@DonnaLondot.com *The above figures represent estimates, scenarios and approximations for educational purposes only and may be subject to change based on transaction specifics, including but not limited to: purchase price, loan amount, real estate agent earned commissions and other factors. Examples are based on 0.25% of the loan amount from the lender and 10% of the real estate agent commission base of 2.5%. Real Estate Agent credit cannot be used or given in conjunction with or in addition to any other special other, program, rebate, credit, refund, or referral service/referral broker. For Purchase Transactions: For the Real Estate Agent credit to apply, the Agent must participate in the Giving to Heroes program. Borrower may use a non-participating Real Estate Agent in the purchase transaction, but with no real estate agent credit to the borrower. For Sale Transactions: Lender credit does not apply to sale transactions. For Refinances: Real estate agent credit does not apply to refinance transactions. Purchase Price Loan Amount Potential Credit at Closing $175,000 (3.5% Down Payment) $168,875 $860 $250,000 (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) $200,000 $1,125 Lender Credit 0.25% of the Loan Amount $422 $500 Realtor Credit 10% of Realtor Commission $438 $625 POTENTIAL SAVINGS EXAMPLES* EQUAL HOUSING LENDER 7047 East Greenway Parkway Suite 190, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Disclaimer: Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Restrictions may apply. Rates may not be a are subject to change without notice. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all loans or products are available in all Sausalito, CA 94965; NMLS ID#76988. Arizona Mortgage Banker License #0910340; click here: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/EntityDeta Todd Uzzell Loan Officer 1525192 Direct: 480-330-1724 tuzzell@bayeq.com Disclaimer: Equal Housing Lender. Purchase Price Loan Amount $175,000 (3.5% Down Payment) $168,875 $250,000 (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) $200,000 $500,000 $400,000 $750,000 $600,000 Lender Credit 0.25% of the Loan Amount $422 $500 $1,000 $1,500 POTENTIAL SAVINGS EXAMPLES* MILITARY MEDICALFIREFIGHTERSTEACHERS GOVERNMENTLAW ENFORCEMENT SAVE UP TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS on a Home Purchase or Refinance Giving to Heroes is an exclusive “Give Back” program o ered by Bay Equity and Donna Londot. Bay Equity and Realtors credit a significant amount toward real estate closing costs. You're already a hero and eligible to participate if you work for or are retired from the following industries: *The above figures represent estimates, scenarios and approximations for educational purposes only and may be subject to change based on transaction specifics, including but not limited to: purchase price, loan amount, real estate agent earned commissions and other factors. Examples are based on 0.25% of the loan amount from the lender and 10% of the real estate agent commission base of 2.5%. Real Estate Agent credit cannot be used or given in conjunction with or in addition to any other special other, program, rebate, credit, refund, or referral service/referral broker. For Purchase Transactions: For the Real Estate Agent credit to apply, the Agent must participate in the Giving to Heroes program. Borrower may use a non-participating Real Estate Agent in the purchase transaction, but with no real estate agent credit to the borrower. For Sale Transactions: Lender credit does not apply to sale transactions. For Refinances: Real estate agent credit does not apply to refinance transactions. Purchase Price Loan Amount Potential Credit at Closing $175,000 (3.5% Down Payment) $168,875 $860 $250,000 (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) $200,000 $1,125 $500,000 $400,000 $2,250 $750,000 $600,000 Lender Credit 0.25% of the Loan Amount $422 $500 $1,000 $1,500 Realtor Credit 10% of Realtor Commission $438 $625 $1,250 $1,875 $3,375 POTENTIAL SAVINGS EXAMPLES* MILITARY MEDICALFIREFIGHTERSTEACHERS Todd Uzzell Loan Officer 1525192 Direct: 480-330-1724 tuzzell@bayeq.com Donna Londot HomeSmart Elite Direct: 602-369-0829 Donna@D *The above figures represent estimates. Purchase Price Loan Amount $175,000 (3.5% Down Payment) $168,875 $250,000 (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) $200,000 $500,000 $400,000 $750,000 $600,000 Lender Credit 0.25% of the Loan Amount $422 $500 $1,000 $1,500 POTENTIAL SAVINGS EXAMPLES* MILITARY MEDICALFIREFIGHTERSTEACHERS GOVERNMENTLAW ENFORCEMENT You're already a hero and eligible to participate if you work for or are retired from the following industries: *The above figures represent estimates, scenarios and approximations for educational purposes only and may be subject to change based on transaction specifics, including but not limited to: purchase price, loan amount, real estate agent earned commissions and other factors. Examples are based on 0.25% of the loan amount from the lender and 10% of the real estate agent commission base of 2.5%. Real Estate Agent credit cannot be used or given in conjunction with or in addition to any other special other, program, rebate, credit, refund, or referral service/referral broker. For Purchase Transactions: For the Real Estate Agent credit to apply, the Agent must participate in the Giving to Heroes program. Borrower may use a non-participating Real Estate Agent in the purchase transaction, but with no real estate agent credit to the borrower. For Sale Transactions: Lender credit does not apply to sale transactions. For Refinances: Real estate agent credit does not apply to refinance transactions. Purchase Price Loan Amount Potential Credit at Closing $175,000 (3.5% Down Payment) $168,875 $860 $250,000 (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) $200,000 $1,125 $500,000 $400,000 $2,250 $750,000 $600,000 Lender Credit 0.25% of the Loan Amount $422 $500 $1,000 $1,500 Realtor Credit 10% of Realtor Commission $438 $625 $1,250 $1,875 $3,375 POTENTIAL SAVINGS EXAMPLES* BEHL *The above figures represent estimates, scenarios and approximations for educational purposes only and may be subject to change based on transaction specifics, including but not limited to: purchase price, loan amount, real estate agent earned commissions and other factors. Examples are based on 0.25% of the loan amount from the lender and 10% of the real estate agent commission base of 2.5%. Real Estate Agent credit cannot be used or given in conjunction with or in addition to any other special other, program, rebate, credit, refund, or referral service/referral broker. For Purchase Transactions: For the Real Estate Agent credit to apply, the Agent must participate in the Giving to Heroes program. Borrower may use a non-participating Real Estate Agent in the purchase transaction, but with no real estate agent credit to the borrower. For Sale Transactions: Lender credit does not apply to sale transactions. For Refinances: Real estate agent credit does not apply to refinance transactions. Purchase Price Loan Amount Potential Credit at Closing $175,000 (3.5% Down Payment) $168,875 $860 $250,000 (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) (20% Down Payment) $200,000 $1,125 $500,000 $400,000 $2,250 $750,000 $600,000 Lender Credit 0.25% of the Loan Amount $422 $500 $1,000 $1,500 Realtor Credit 10% of Realtor Commission $438 $625 $1,250 $1,875 $3,375 POTENTIAL SAVINGS EXAMPLES* BEHL Todd Uzzell Loan Offi cer 1525192 Direct: 480-330-1724 tuzzell@goldfi nancial.com 7047 E. Greenway Pkwy., Ste. 190 Scottsdale, AZ 85254 Donna Londot HomeSmart Elite Realtor Direct: 602-369-0829 Donna@DonnaLondot.com www.DonnaLondot.com 8388 E. Hartford Dr. #100 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

HOME A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO COMPOSTING IN PHOENIX

WHAT IS COMPOST?

Compost is organic material that has decomposed. It is made by combining “green” items like food scraps and grass cuttings with “brown” items like leaves and wood chips, which then break down over time. The resulting material is nutrient-rich and can be used in gardens as a soil conditioner and natural pesticide.

WHY COMPOST?

Organic matter like food, food-soiled paper, and yard waste is more than a third of what gets thrown into the garbage. When sent to the landfi ll, it creates methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide. Backyard composting or with a local program protects our environment, saves landfi ll space, creates jobs, and enriches soil. And it’s easier than you might think! If you want to compost food and food-soiled paper, Recycled City is the area’s local community composter. For only $10/month, they accept a variety of compostable waste, such as food, meat, dairy, napkins, and paper plates, and even pet food and hair trimmings.

TYPES OF HOME COMPOSTERS

With a small investment you can turn your compostable scraps into nutrient-rich soil at home. There are several different home composters: • Manufactured compost bins, typically made out of plastic • Compost tumblers that can be easily turned • Wooden and pallet bins with compartments • Worm composting (vermicomposting)

WHAT TO PUT IN THE COMPOST

To get started follow these steps:

FIXING ISSUES LIKE ODORS OR PESTS

Home composting is easy, but there a few common issues that fi rst-time composters run into:

• Funny smells? Turn the pile and add some browns • Pile too dry? Spray some water, add in greens, mix • Fruit fl ies? Stir and add leaves or grass • Insects, raccoons, rats? There might be some meat or fatty food scraps in your bin. First, remove the meat or fats. You can also cover the pile with a heavy layer of soil, leaves or sawdust, or use an animalproof composter.

PARTICIPATE IN A LOCAL COMPOSTING PROGRAM OR DIY

The City of Phoenix runs a municipal composting facility that processes yard waste. You can sign up for a curbside green bin that accepts grass clippings, branches, and shrubs. Step 1: Collect your “brown” and “green” compostable material a. “Browns” – dry materials like wood chips, dried leaves, grass, and plants. It works even better when you rip or cut items into smaller pieces. b. “Greens” – fresh, moist materials like grass cuttings and food scraps.

LONG-TIME NORTH 32ND RESIDENT ACTIVE COMMUNITY MEMBER EXPERIENCED REALTOR® Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society 2014, 2017 Coldwell Banker Bronze Circle 2015, 2016 Powered by ZipRealty Circle of Excellence 2012-2018

WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH? Check my free app: https://goo.gl/9GwS6c or call/text or email me!

Sarah Sakalauski 602.332.2005 sarah.sakalauski@azmoves.com FB @sarahsakalauski License #: AZ SA637792000

See what my clients say at www.sarahsakalauski.com

Step 2: Put an approximately equal amount of browns and greens into your composter. To ensure that your pile does not smell, add more browns (1 part green, 2 parts brown).

Step 3: Soak the pile with water, but don’t over soak. It should be as damp as a wrung-out sponge.

Step 4: Wait a week, then add water, turn, and stir the pile.

Step 5: Keep adding, soaking, and stirring! Your compost should be ready in 3-6 months.

Many home composting systems are not well-suited for dairy, fi sh, meats, fats, or oil/grease, as these products take longer to break down and can attract pests.

HOW TO COLLECT COMPOSTABLES IN YOUR KITCHEN

Collecting food and food-soiled paper in your kitchen doesn’t have to be a hassle. There are many types of countertop containers, which you can line with a certifi ed compostable bag, or rinse to keep clean. As you clean up, you can scrape leftovers directly into the bin. Once the container is full, dump it into your outdoor collection bin or composting system. During the warmer months, you can keep your food scraps in the fridge, where they won’t smell or attract fruit fl ies.

WHAT ABOUT TAKEOUT CONTAINERS AND COMPOSTABLE PRODUCTS?

If you eat out, you may bring home packaging labeled “compostable.” Containers, cups, and utensils like those made by World Centric are certifi ed compostable by BPI, a third-party certifi cation. This means a product has been tested to revert to carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass at a rate similar to paper.

Compostable products can be made from renewable plant fi bers, wood paper, or compostable plastics. Products made from plant fi bers or paper are not certifi ed to break down at home, but you can experiment to see how they perform in your system. It helps to cut or rip them into smaller pieces. Compostable plastics should not be put into your home composting system, since they require higher heat to break down. Once you have an outdoor composter and a kitchen container for collecting material, you’ll be well on your way to turning waste into black gold.