Composting Guide

Composting is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to reduce waste and help the planet — and you can do it right at home. Whether you have a backyard, a balcony, or just a kitchen counter, this guide will walk you through how to turn your food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil. Week by week, you’ll build easy habits, learn what to compost (and what not to), and be on your way to making a big environmental impact — one banana peel at a time.

Week-by-Week Guide

Green Initiatives

Week 1

Get Set Up

Choose a compost method: backyard pile, tumbler, or indoor bin
Set up your bin in a well-ventilated spot
Start collecting scraps in a kitchen container
Learn the basics: You want a balance of browns (carbon) and greens (nitrogen).

Week 3

Maintain and Monitor

Add materials regularly and continue mixing
If it smells sour or rotten, add more browns
Check the pile's moisture and if it’s too dry, mist with water
Optional: start a compost journal

Week 2

Start Layering

Begin adding food scraps and brown materials in alternating layers
Avoid adding any meat, dairy, or oily foods to your compost bin
Mix the compost gently every few days with a shovel, stick, spoon, or your hands
Track your greens-to-browns ratio - aim for 1:2

Week 4

Troubleshooting

Check for fruit flies : adjust ingredients or mix more
If it’s too cold outside, insulate the bin with cardboard or a blanket
Look for signs of progress: heat in the pile, earthy smell, breaking-down materials

Week 5 and Beyond

Build the Habit

Set a reminder to mix once a week.
Keep a bin checklist nearby.
Share composting tips with friends/family to spread the impact!

Composting Materials

Not everything breaks down the right way in a compost pile. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right scraps. Adding the right mix of materials keeps your compost healthy, safe, and effective.