The thought of a decomposing pile of waste sitting in or near the home might be a little off putting to some people, but it's not nearly as much of a hassle as it may seem at a glance. In fact, compost not only provides health and vitality to your garden and lawn, it plays a major part in cutting down greenhouse gas emissions, landfill overflow and even weed control.

You've probably seen scary statistics, like the World Wildlife Fund's study that claims we will need two earths to sustain ourselves by the year 2050, or that the earth's fish supply will run out by the year 2048, but that doesn't have to be the case. As buzzy and ubiquitous as the green movement has become nowadays, there's a reason it's everywhere. According to the EPA, the amount of landfills that exist in the U.S. has been steadily shrinking for the past 20 years or so. This may sound like a good thing, but in actuality we produce more garbage, so the land fills are bursting at the seams with greenhouse gas and sometimes toxic substances. Some landfills, like Cecil County Central Landfill in Elkton, Maryland even require relocation and remediation by third-party companies like Sevenson Environmental. The growing garbage problem is starting to get stinky. Luckily, there's a lot you can do at home to combat it (and look like an earth-saving hero to all your friends), starting with the simple act of composting.

Why It's Helpful

The EPA reports that approximately 17 percent of all methane gas emitted in the U.S. comes from landfills, which lump dangerous refuse with helpful organic material. By starting a compost bin or area for your family, you are lessening toxic contributions to already overcrowded landfills. The EPA estimates that if every household composted their yard trimmings and food scraps, it could reduce the municipal waste stream by up to 25 percent. Furthermore, The United States Composting Council's findings show that for every one ton of composted waste, .25 metric tons of greenhouse gases are prevented. A Sierra Club study concluded that a family of four could easily create 500 pounds of compost in a year. 

A Quick How-To

Did you know that you can compost egg shells, cardboard pizza boxes, nail clippings, old wool or cotton clothing, bills and even condoms? And the list goes on. All you need is a bin, bucket, soil and motivation to make the world a better place for your children. The recipe for compost is simple: use approximately a 1/1 ratio for soil and scraps, alternating approximately four-inch layers. A properly tended compost bin doesn't smell or breed harmful bacteria, as long as you don't add any fats, meats, dairy or oils. Once you begin your foray into greener pastures, be sure to aerate the soil with holes or earthworms. This also quickens the decomposition process. It is also important to stir your compost intermittently so it doesn't become impacted. From there you can use it to make the most beautiful, nutrient-rich garden that your home could ever need— and the earth will thank you.

The World Wildlife Fund projects that by the year 2050 we will need two more Earths to sustain our voracious appetites for consumption. As worldwide resources continue to dwindle, we need to get our act together quickly. Although it's not simple to change your life overnight, baby steps can reduce your carbon footprint.

A more natural lifestyle is integral in doing your part for the Earth . The simple truth is we need to consume less. It seems like no matter how many images, statistics and studies are thrust in front of us, most people still go on trying to keep up with the Joneses, buying things they don't really need. Take a moment to do some research and make some savvy, even fun, upgrades to your daily life to improve the Earth and your health.

Grow Food in Small Places

If you live in an apartment or condo with no space for a garden, stop daydreaming about delightful strolls through lush rows of greens. Bring the green indoors and grow windowsill herb gardens or other small, potted crops. More and more companies are creating DIY home gardens for the busy professional. If you love fresh, organic food they're worth looking into.

• For only 25$, you can grow up to two pounds of fresh pearl oyster mushrooms in only ten days, and that's just the tip of the grow-your-own iceburg.

• The Topsy Turvy system (yep, the same one from TV) allows you to grow your own strawberries or tomatoes vertically, making space limitations a non-issue. A simple Goggle search will help you find them for less than ten dollars.

• Chia Her Garden, anyone?

Stock Your Closets With Knowledge

Most of us like to have some semblance of style, even if it is “just rolled out of bed” chic. Green fashionistas however, are aware of the environmental impact that even  hand-me-downs can have. The environmental risks of fashion manufacturing stretch far beyond the horrible conditions of sweat shops, points out Eco-fashionista Lynda Grose of Faircompanies.com. In fact, the dyes, washes and scraps from clothing manufacture can have horrible effects on the workers producing them and the environment surrounding them. And most people don't realize that most of our old clothing ends up in landfills. Environmentalist Stephen Dent recommends buying recycled and or organic clothing. Cottons and wools grown without pesticides, hormones or antibiotics are ideal.

• The Andira Rain Tee collection is not only sustainable and all natural. Each shirt they sell goes towards planting trees in the rain forest.

• Green Label Organic sells their popular T-Shirts at stores like REI, but they can also be purchased online. Not only is all their apparel made in the U.S., it's made with low-impact garment dye in a sustainable fashion.

• Ecogear.com offers a number of products, from brief cases to mountain climbing gear, that are as nice to look at as they are on the environment. The company was inspired by a vacation the owner took. He wanted to ensure his children had a beautiful world in which to grow up, and began designing eco-friendly products around a sustainable concept.