Composting is a natural process of decomposition that transforms organic waste materials into a nutrient-rich soil amendment called compost. It is a sustainable method of recycling organic waste, such as food scraps, yard trimmings, leaves, and other plant materials, into a dark, crumbly substance that can be used to enrich garden soil or as a potting mix.
The process of composting involves the breakdown of organic matter by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and other decomposers. These organisms feed on the organic materials, breaking them down into simpler compounds. The process requires the right balance of carbon-rich (brown) and nitrogen-rich (green) materials, moisture, and oxygen.
Brown materials include items like dried leaves, straw, wood chips, and shredded paper, while green materials consist of fresh grass clippings, vegetable scraps, fruit peels, and coffee grounds. The carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is important for efficient composting, with an ideal range of about 25-30 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen.
By composting, you divert organic waste from landfills, where it would contribute to methane gas emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Instead, the organic matter undergoes decomposition in a controlled environment, generating heat in the process. This heat helps kill weed seeds and pathogens, resulting in a stable and nutrient-rich compost.
Compost can be used as a soil amendment in gardens, lawns, and potted plants. It improves soil structure, enhances moisture retention, promotes beneficial microbial activity, and provides essential nutrients for plant growth. Composting is an environmentally friendly practice that reduces waste, conserves resources, and supports sustainable gardening and agriculture.
Food waste is a significant global issue, with staggering statistics highlighting its impact on the environment, economy, and society. Global Food Waste is roughly one-third of the food produced for human consumption worldwide, which amounts to about 1.3 billion metric tons, is wasted each year. Food waste contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. If food waste were a country, it would be the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gasses after the United States and China. Decomposing food waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Remember to monitor and adjust the moisture levels of your compost, aim for a good balance between green and brown materials, and avoid adding items like meat, dairy, oily foods, and pet waste. Regularly turning or mixing the compost helps aerate it and speed up decomposition. With time and attention, you'll be able to create nutrient-rich compost for your plants and gardens.
Here are some countertop compost bins Kids will love! Buy one and get started today. These compost bins are an example of how small acts make big impacts on our environment.
Every year on April 22nd, people all over the world celebrate Earth Day, a special time to show love and care for our planet. But this week, the spotlight was on younger changemakers—students, classrooms, and communities coming together in creative and inspiring ways to help protect the Earth.
Across the United States, schools turned into centers of environmental action, learning, and fun. From planting trees to building bee hotels, kids proved that you don’t have to be a grown-up to make a big difference.
Here’s a peek at how Earth Day 2025 was celebrated by awesome kids and schools just like yours!
Every April 22nd, Earth Day calls on us to pause, reflect, and recommit to protecting the planet we call home. What started in 1970 as a grassroots movement has grown into a global call to action, reaching over a billion people in more than 190 countries. This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” reminds us of a profound truth: that we hold the power—individually and collectively—to shape the future of our world.
Every year on April 14th, National Gardening Day reminds us to dig in, get our hands dirty, and reconnect with the earth. It’s more than a celebration of soil, seeds, and sunshine—it’s an invitation to grow something meaningful. In recent years, National Gardening Day has evolved from a backyard pastime into a growing movement tied deeply to sustainability, resilience, and environmental awareness. As climate concerns continue to rise, gardening offers a beautiful and practical way to contribute to a healthier planet, starting in our own backyards.