In the era of science and technology human race in the lust of power and competition has totally sidelined the basic ethics of protecting and conserving environment. As a result to this our Earth is on the verge of destruction. The need of hour is that we human beings the supreme creations of this universe should pay heed towards its actions and approach. Earth is a self sustained spaceship. Human beings, animals and plants are thriving together in it. We can only use the resources whats inside it; there's no means of bringing any foreign aid if it gets destroyed. So lets wake up from our beauty slumbers and do what needs to be done.

Composting can be defined as a natural process that turn organic material into dark rich substance. The resultant substance is called "compost". In composting we usually use household wastage to produce the fertilizer for plants at home. It is considered as wonderful conditioner for soil. Overall practical, convenient, cheap and environmental friendly approach. It also helps in reduction of solid waste by reducing the need of land filling and incineration.

Now the question arises which material and steps should be adopted?

The answer is that usually the substance which was once alive can be used for this process but be careful don't put anything that attract pests or diseased plants. We can't add everything in it. The waste is usually divided into two types:

1) Green waste:

It usually include substances having high nitrogen content. For example grass, pruning stems, peels of fruits or vegetables, stale bread, egg shells, used coffee beans, spent tea, manure of a herbivore possibly cow will do.

2) Brown waste:

It usually include substances having high carbon content. For example dried leaves, barks, bamboo straws, wood chips, saw dust, wheat or sugarcane waste and newspapers in shredded form.

Don't use:

Diseased plants, diary products like milk and yogurt, meat and fish scrabs, wood ash, fats, oil and grease, bones, excretory product of cats and dogs etc (because its gonna produce a really bad odor)

Space requirement for composting:

Choose a place far way from the reach of human beings. A quiet corner on roof will do. Compost pie need to be large enough to hold heat but small enough to allow proper aeration. The pile should be minimum 3 feet long, wide and tall. Piles larger than 4 feet are not accepted because they are difficult to aerate.

Steps:

1) Start the compost pile with a large layer of brown waste. Chop the material into smaller pieces so that they can get decomposed easily.

2) Now add a layer of green waste. The proportion of waste amount should be 1:3 with green and brown waste respectively.

3) Add a shovel full of soil as a third layer.

4) After properly filling the container and layering mix the material well with shovel. Remember pile should not be bigger than 4 feet.

5) Add water slowly and steadily to moisten the pile a bit but please don't add too much water.

6) There should be right amount of waste available for composting.

7) Now cover the pile with a cotton cloth.

8) Check back after a week and mix the pile.

9) Check it for proper moisture and also aerate it.

10) Continue mixing this pile after every week or two. It is usually done in a month but may need more time in winter.

11) During this time compost will be appear. A uniform dark brown substance will be formed.

12) The pile will shrink don't worry its part of process. If it does not gives off heat on turning then it means its ready we can move on to next step.

13) Now put the material into Sun for a week to dry. It will be crumbled and particulate form. It will give off pleasant and earthly odor.

14) Congratulations the compost is ready to use. Now use it in your garden plants and see your hard work paying off.

15) Don't go with the approach of making a lot in one go and storing it for future use. The pile will end up losing nutrients at this rate.

16) For moisture check hold the compost in your hand and squeeze it. If water comes out its no good it has to be like you know a damp sponge not too much dripping not too dry.

17) You can use Earth worms to speed up the process.

18) One last thing whatever the container you are choosing make sure to leave small holes into it. This is to allow air passage. Any basket or old dustbin can be used for this purpose.