Modern kids are little environmentalists, so why not encourage their green habits? Composting is the perfect way to recycle and reuse. Get your kids started with this fun project that can be sourced at your local hardware store!

You Will Need:

• Large plastic bin with lid, such as 12-gallon storage bin or trash can
• Drill
• Shredded newspaper
• Soil
• Dried leaves and/or pine needles
• Food scraps (see To Compost and Not to Compost for ideas)
• Water

Instructions:

1. Drill 8-10 holes about 1-2 inches apart in the bottom of the bin, and four holes on each side of the bin. This will let air move around the bin to help things decompose.

 2. Put the shredded newspaper into the bin, filling it up one-fourth of the way.

3. Add soil until the bin is halfway full. Top the soil with a layer of dried leaves or pine needles. Always keep brown material such as this in your bin to keep it from smelling.

4. Bury food scraps a little ways into the brown material. To do this, roll your bin around (with the lid on) or mix it with a stick.

5. Spray the compost with just enough water to get things damp but not soaking wet. Put the lid on.

6. Keep a small container in your kitchen and fill it with food scraps from the To Compost list. Add the scraps to the compost bin. Just remember to add the same amount of soil and leaves, too.

7. Every four to five days, roll the compost bin around or stir the contents with a stick to keep things mixed up. Always keep the compost damp.

8. Compost will be ready to use in your garden in one to two months.

Items That are Acceptable for Compost:

• Grass clippings
• Fruit and vegetable scraps
• Eggshells
• Coffee grounds
• Tea bags
• Paper egg cartons
• Shredded newspaper

Items NOT to Compost:

• Meat
• Fish
• Cat and dog feces
• Bones
• Fats or oils

For more information on fun projects and activities for kids, click here to visit the official Jack and Jill® Magazine website.