COMPOST: Truth or Consequences Truth or Consequences is a video designed for people who would like to take the mystery out of home composting. It isn't complicated. Using a few basic science concepts, we show how to avoid odors, achieve rapid decomposition, and even have the compost get hot. The information is presented in an informal, entertaining way to make learning about composting fun! This 15-minute video teaches the science behind the solutions. Using a quiz show format to present common questions, it shows home composters learning how to provide the right conditions for composting without problems. User's guide included. 1998. To view clips of the video in QuickTime click: Clip 1 and Clip 2 Read a Review of this video!  Video is now available for free download Cornell Composting Resources Back to CWMI Home Page

Compost: Truth or Consequences

1998
Produced by Photosynthesis Productions, Inc. and Cornell Waste Management Institute
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, P.O. Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 610-779-8226
15 min, color, VHS
Reviewed by Sharon C. Murphy, Health Sciences Library, State University of New York at Buffalo

This concise film takes viewers on a pleasant educational journey to learn about backyard composting. Done with a fine appreciation for the diversity of eco-life forms, it provides good scientific explanations in an informal but effective way. It uses a quiz show format to pose questions or problems that novices to composting might have. Experts then consult with individuals to provide educational answers.

The film covers what to put in a compost heap, how to avoid odors, and how big a pile to maintain for speedy decomposition. Excellent photography shows the tiny microorganisms and visible macroorganisms of the composting community, the "decomposers," at work. A variety of composting enclosures are used throughout and range from purchased plastic bins to wire, wooden slot types, and others crafted from wood scraps. The video positively portrays an activity well within the reach of anyone interested.

The editing is excellent and the pleasant voice of the narrator and well-placed music enhance the film. It presents scientific fact without overwhelming detail yet avoids being simplistic or unsophisticated. The gardening scenes are attractive and the interactions depicted are true to life. This versatile video would be useful for late elementary, high school, and undergraduate students as well as adults. It would be a great addition to public library collections. Teachers, gardening clubs, and interested others would find it informative and enjoyable.

Promoting composting is good for the garden and good for the earth. This film makes learning about composting fun. Highly recommended.

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Copyright 1998. All Rights Reserved. Distributors may use select segments for promotional purposes with full credit given to the author of the review and to MC Journal: the Journal of Academic Media Librarianship.

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