In my composting update last week, I mentioned that Jen has been bringing home bags of used coffee grounds from our local Starbucks. On Friday, five more bags arrived. Heavy moist bags of expired grounds might gross some people out, but the inner-composter in me knew this would be a windfall to the pile.

Coffee grounds truly are a welcome addition to any compost pile. In volume, they can provide an oft needed green (nitrogen) boost — just don’t go overboard. I know I am always looking for extra food scraps, green leaves, and other things with good rotting potential, and these grounds have started to make a difference.

I have to give credit to Starbucks for promoting this simple, but effective program. Grounds for Your Garden helps people like me live a more sustainable lifestyle, and helps Starbuck’s reduce the impact of their massive global bohemoth. Check out one of the 10+ local Starbucks on Fridays to pick up bags of organic goodness for your compost pile or spring garden.