In honor of Earth Day, there’s no better time to evaluate how our daily choices impact the planet. Composting is a simple, effective way to reduce waste and enrich the environment, all from your own kitchen or backyard. By turning organic material into nutrient-rich soil, composting helps reduce landfill waste and support healthier gardens. While many of us know the usual suspects like fruit peels and coffee grounds, you might be surprised by just how many everyday items are compostable. Ready to uncover some unexpected eco heroes? Let’s dig in!

1. disposable wooden tools

Wooden skewers, chopsticks, matchsticks, and toothpicks can all be added to your compost. These are brown materials that decompose slowly, so you can cut them into small pieces to help them break down faster.

2. hair

Anything organic can be composted including human hair and pet fur. Does collecting this seem creepy? Yes, definitely—but if you have pets or people with long hair in your household then you know it accumulates quickly. Next time you’re cleaning your hairbrush or vacuuming all the fur your pets have shed, empty it in your compost!

3. leftover beer

Put the abandoned beer cans from your parties to good use! The yeast in beer works as an activator for compost. Just make sure you’re adding enough for moisture without making the pile soggy.

4. stale bread, cereal, crackers & tortillas

Don’t let these green materials go to waste. The staler or moldier, the better. If you have an open pile, you may want to bury these scraps in the center of the pile to keep rodents at bay.

5. wood ash

Only use ash from unpainted, untreated wood and use in moderation. Wood ash is alkaline, which can be good for balancing compost as it tends to be acidic. Make sure your pile is no more than 20% wood ash or you risk it getting too hot and alkaline. Thoroughly mix in the ashes so they’re not concentrated in one area.

6. aquarium water and plants

Fish waste is filled with nutrients that help plants thrive. Its liquid form allows it to act as a rapid fertilizer. Aquarium water is most beneficial when the weather has been dry to ensure your pile doesn’t get too damp.

7. plain cooked pasta and rice

We’ve all been there with grains—you think you’ve made just the right amount, only to discover that you have way more noodles than the meal requires. Instead of trashing the leftovers you won’t use, throw them in your compost.

8. natural fibers

Fibers that are 100% natural, like wool or cotton, can be used in compost. Your ripped towels and clothing can be a great addition to the pile. Dryer lint from these items can also be composted as long as you’re sure there are no synthetic materials in the mix. 

Composting is a win-win! You can reduce waste, make your garden healthier than ever, and cut back on synthetic fertilizers while helping to lower methane emissions in landfills. This simple intervention packs a significant punch. Before you throw away your everyday items, double check if they’re compostable.

Have an impactful Earth Day!