Here’s how to do it:

#1 – Prepare the area/container – you can go out and buy a fancy compost bin (there are many to choose from at garden centers) or you can simply make a “heap” which is far more economical and will work just as well.

To make a heap you simply need 4 sides and a covering. You can use 4 similar sized pieces of wood, nailed together or you can use breeze blocks to make an enclosure for your waste. You’ll need to leave a detachable area in the front so that you can easily scoop out the compost.

If using bricks simply leave a small gap. If using wood, you can do the same or leave the whole front side loose so that you can easily remove the whole plank of wood to access your compost once ready.

Tip: Wood tends to be the ideal material as it is completely eco-friendly, economical and far easier to put together than a brick-sided heap.

#2 – Add your drainage material – Once you have your “container” ready then line the bottom with biodegradable material that will help absorb the compost faster. You can use straw, twigs or newspaper.

#3 – Heat things up – In order for your waste to turn into compost, you need heat. You can do this by adding a thin layer of already mature soil (which you buy at the garden center or from another area of the garden) on top of the first layers of waste. This will help trap the heat in and your waste will compost faster.

#4 – Cover and Turn – Another way to keep the temperature high in your heap is by covering it up. You can use old potato sacks, a sheet of plastic, or a thick blanket. Your compost will take approximately 3 or so months to degrade. You can help things along by turning the heap once or twice a month. Simply uncover and using a large, thick stick or shovel simply “turn” the compost to distribute the heat.

#5 – Things you can compost – Shredded newspaper, uncooked vegetables and peelings, grass/lawn, old plants, hedge clippings, animal waste (chickens, dogs, cats), weeds, rotten fruit or fruit remains.

#1 Smart strips. Every day appliances consume energy even when they’re turned off. Microwaves, coffee makers, computers, televisions, the list goes on and on. Rather than let this valuable energy go to waste, plug your appliances and electronic equipment into a smart strip. A smart strip is a strip of outlets with an off/on switch. When you’re not using the appliances and equipment, say at night when you’re asleep, simply turn the smart strip off. You’ll save thousands of watts each year.

#2 Compact Fluorescent. Compact fluorescent bulbs use significantly less energy, about 75% less. The added bonus is that while these bulbs cost a bit more at the store, they last for years. The average light bulb used in a high traffic area lasts 4-6 months. A compact fluorescent bulb lasts up to 10 times longer.

#3 Adjust your thermostat. Simply adjusting it a few degrees lower in the winter and higher in the summer will save energy. A programmable thermostat makes it easy.

#4 If you use automatic drying with your dishwasher, turn it off and let your dishes air dry.

#5 Your water heater uses energy to keep your water hot and ready for those steamy showers. Turn it down to 120 degrees. Your water will still be good and hot, certainly hot enough for a steamy shower, and yet not too hot to scald. And you’ll save energy.

#6 When replacing appliances, look for energy star appliances. They conserve energy and many communities offer rebates and credits when you purchase these appliances.

#7 If you have a fireplace, make sure the damper works well and is closed when not in use. You can lose a significant amount of heat during the winter and cool air during the summer through an open fireplace damper.

#8 Check doors. Many doors don’t seal well. Particularly if you live in an older home where the walls and floors may have settled and shifted. Air can easily escape through cracks around your door causing your furnace or air conditioner to work harder thus wasting energy.

#9 Embrace passive solar. The sun is fantastic for heating and lighting our homes. If your home has a southern exposure you can harness the power of the sun to heat your home in the winter and to provide daylight year round. Eastern exposures can open the curtains in the morning to heat and light the home and western exposures can open the curtains in the afternoon.

#10 Check your insulation. Too much insulation causes your energy to be lost through your windows while too little insulation causes energy to be lost through your roof or attic.

Home energy savings doesn’t have to require a home overhaul. A few simple steps can save you hundreds of dollars a year and conserves energy.