Earth Day 2025: Turning Waste into Power with Composting

As Earth Day approaches on April 22, the global spotlight turns once again to our planet’s health—and the everyday actions we can take to protect it. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” reminds us that we all play a role in shaping a more sustainable future. One simple, effective way to use that power? Start a compost pile.

Composting is an easy, low-cost way to reduce food and yard waste while creating rich soil that helps plants grow. It keeps waste out of landfills and gives nutrients back to the Earth, closing the loop in a natural and powerful cycle.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), composting works best when it includes a balanced mix of materials—what they call “greens” and “browns.” Greens are nitrogen-rich items like fruit and veggie scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds, and crushed eggshells. Browns include carbon-rich materials like dry leaves, twigs, shredded brown paper, cardboard, and untreated wood chips.

When these ingredients are combined correctly with water and oxygen, they break down into a dark, crumbly substance that looks and smells like healthy soil.

But not everything belongs in a compost pile. You should skip meat, dairy, bones, fats, greasy food, pet waste, treated wood, and glossy or sticker-covered paper. These items can cause bad smells, attract pests, or harm the composting process.

So, how do you get started?

First, collect food scraps in a small container. Many people keep a reusable container in the freezer to prevent odors. Just empty it into your compost pile regularly and wash it out before using it again.

Next, set aside an outdoor spot where you can collect browns like leaves and twigs. You’ll want plenty on hand to layer with your food scraps.

Pick a space in your yard for the compost pile itself. It helps to have water nearby—like a garden hose—so you can keep the pile slightly damp. You can build a bin using materials like wire, wood, or cinder blocks, or buy a compost bin from a garden store.

To speed things up, chop materials into smaller pieces before adding them. Start with a layer of browns four to six inches deep. Then, like stacking a lasagna, alternate layers of browns and greens. Each time you add greens, cover them with four to eight inches of browns. The EPA recommends keeping the volume of browns two to three times higher than greens for the best results.

Turning the compost occasionally helps mix in air and speeds up decomposition. Add water as needed—aim for the feel of a wrung-out sponge. The pile will heat up as it breaks down. If it doesn’t, it may need more greens or more turning.

You’ll know your compost is ready when it’s dark, loose, and smells like fresh soil. Let it sit or “cure” for about four weeks after it’s finished heating up. Then, it’s ready for use in your garden.

By starting a compost pile, you’re not just recycling—you’re restoring. It’s a powerful reminder that small choices can lead to big change, not just on Earth Day, but every day.

So this April 22, remember: the power to help our planet is in your hands—and maybe even in your compost pile.