The Compost Container

   It seems to me that if you actually compost, it is counter-intuitive to buy bags to compost in. The underlying principle of composting is ashes to ashes, so to speak. Just imagine my horror (no hyperbole here) to see compost bags available at Costco.

   Composting is about taking slimy, stinky scraps, adding a little heat and coming up with a rich, warm, nutrient- and worm-laden product. Primordial, if you will.
   If you are still with me, nodding your head in agreement, then you probably want to know how to make your own compost container. An unexpected benefit of learning to do this is that if you are ever stuck without a cup and need a drink of water, you can use these same folds to make a drinking container out of a piece of paper. Or you could use it as a hat.

Start with a broadsheet newspaper, opened up.

Make the paper into a square by folding over one side.

A square piece of paper will allow you to fold it into a perfect triangle.

Fold point C up to meet point B

Fold up the left point A in the same way so you end up with a square. Press along the edges to make a crease - this will help you line up the next fold.

Unfold the paper back to the triangle shape. Fold point C to the midpoint between A and B. This is on the fold line where you made the crease.

Repeat on other side. Fold point A over to the midpoint between B and C.

Fold down the top point B. You will only fold down the front half, leaving a point B to work with from the other side.

Press with finger along crease to make the fold lie flat.

Flip over.

Repeat the fold down of top point B.

You can now open the middle to make a "cup" shape.

Place in ice cream bucket or compost pail.