today’s tip

a simple composting guide

Composting is nature’s way of recycling! It’s a simple process that turns food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil, reducing landfill waste and helping your garden thrive. Whether you’re in a small apartment or have a big backyard, composting can be easy, eco-friendly, and rewarding.

Here’s a quick guide to get started and make a difference right from home!

1. Choose your method - this can be a small bin, or a large backyard compost pile if you have the space!

2. Choose the location - Ideally, this will be a shaded spot with good drainage. You can absolutely compost indoors too, with the right container. Follow this other guide if composting indoors.

3. Know what to compost - Green materials include: fruit and vegetable scraps, used tea, coffee grounds, crushed eggshells, grass clippings, green plant cuttings, old flowers and many weeds. Brown materials include: straw, paper and cardboard, dry leaves, woody pruning and sawdust (but not from treated wood).

4. Know what to avoid - Don’t put diseased plants, pet droppings (apart from chicken manure), cooking fat, glossy paper, weeds with seeds, treated timber and large branches in your compost bin.

5. Layer the materials - Start with a base layer of mulch, potting soil, twigs. Next, add your greens and browns. When layering, try to add two parts brown material to one part green material. Add water after each layer to keep the pile moist but not too wet. Finish with a layer of soil or finished compost to help reduce odors and keep in heat and moisture, which are essential for the process.

6. Distribute - The compost is ready for use when it’s a rich brown color and crumbles easily. This could take a few months, depending on the size of the bin or pile.

Check in with yourself as you go through this process. Do you have too much food waste? Does your shopping list need adjusting?

spotlight topic

microadventures

Microadventures are short, local escapes that bring the thrill of adventure into your everyday life. They’re accessible, low-cost, and can fit into a weekend or even a single hour, making it easier for busy people to reconnect with nature and break from routine. Microadventures improve mental health, reduce stress, and inspire creativity by offering a fresh perspective.

Ready to give it a try? Here are five great options:

1. Sunrise Hike - Wake up early and catch the sunrise from a nearby park or trail. You’ll be surprised how good you feel the rest of the day!

2. Urban Exploration - Discover hidden spots in your city you haven’t seen before. This could be a walk to see the local murals and street art, admiring the architecture of the buildings, or packing a simple meal to eat in park.

3. Foraging Walk - Try identifying 10 new plants. A great way to do this is using the Google Lens app on your phone!

4. Climb a Local Hill - Find the highest point in your area and enjoy the view.

5. Plan a Night Hike - Experience nature in a whole new way after dark.

Find ways to enjoy the outdoors close to home, and you’ll be surprised at the adventures you uncover.

a few words

seasonal changes

As the days become shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s easy to feel less motivated to step outside. The early darkness and chilly weather can make us crave the warmth of indoors. But this season holds its own quiet beauty—a soft golden light in the afternoons, the rustle of leaves, and a stillness that invites reflection.

While it might take a little extra effort to bundle up, embracing these small, mindful moments outside can offer warmth in a different way. Let’s find comfort in nature’s slower rhythm and keep discovering its beauty, even on the colder, darker days.