Composting 101: Turn Food Scraps into Something Useful

 

Every year, millions of tons of food waste end up in landfills, producing harmful greenhouse gases. But there’s a simple, eco-friendly solution—composting! Instead of tossing food scraps, you can transform them into nutrient-rich soil that benefits your garden and reduces waste.

Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your composting skills, this guide will help you turn kitchen scraps into something useful!

🌱 Why Compost?

✔ Reduces waste – Keeps food scraps out of landfills.

✔ Enriches soil – Improves plant growth naturally.

✔ Saves money – Less need for store-bought fertilizers.

✔ Cuts carbon footprint – Less methane gas from decomposing food waste.

Composting isn’t just for gardeners—it’s for anyone who wants to live more sustainably!

♻️ What Can You Compost?

✅ Green Materials (Nitrogen-Rich)

🍌 Fruit & veggie scraps

🍃 Coffee grounds & tea leaves

🌾 Grass clippings

🥕 Eggshells (crushed)

✅ Brown Materials (Carbon-Rich)

🍂 Dry leaves & small twigs

📰 Shredded newspaper & cardboard

🍞 Stale bread (small amounts)

🏡 Sawdust (untreated wood only)

Balance is key! A good mix of greens (wet, fresh scraps) and browns (dry, carbon-rich materials) keeps compost healthy.

🚫 What NOT to Compost

❌ Meat, fish, & dairy (attracts pests)

❌ Oily or greasy food scraps

❌ Pet waste

❌ Glossy paper or coated cardboard

❌ Diseased plants (can spread bacteria)

🛠️ How to Start Composting at Home

1. Pick a Composting Method

🌿 Outdoor Compost Bin – Great for backyards, requires a mix of green & brown materials.

🏡 Indoor Compost Bin – Small-space friendly, perfect for apartments.

🪱 Worm Composting (Vermicomposting) – Uses worms to break down food scraps quickly!

2. Choose a Spot

A shady, well-ventilated area is ideal for outdoor bins.

Indoor composting? Keep it in a sealed container under the sink or on a balcony.

3. Build Your Compost Layers

1️⃣ Start with a layer of browns (dry materials).

2️⃣ Add greens (food scraps, coffee grounds, etc.).

3️⃣ Keep layering, like making a compost lasagna!

4. Keep It Moist & Aerated

Compost should feel like a damp sponge—not too wet or dry.

Turn or mix your compost once a week to keep oxygen flowing.

5. Wait & Harvest!

After 2-6 months, your compost will turn into dark, earthy-smelling soil.

Use it to fertilize plants, gardens, and even houseplants!

🌍 Composting Hacks & Tips

💡 Eggshells & banana peels add extra nutrients to compost.

💡 Chop food scraps into smaller pieces—they break down faster.

💡 Too smelly? Add more browns (leaves, paper) and mix well.

💡 Fruit flies? Bury food scraps under dry materials.

🏆 The Reward: Free, Nutrient-Rich Soil!

Composting is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste, enrich soil, and help the planet. Whether you have a big backyard or a tiny apartment, there’s a composting method for everyone.

Ready to start? Tag a friend who should try composting! 🌎♻️