Composting is an easy way to reduce food waste. Here's how to do it

iStock What's in this story Benefits of composting What is compost? How to compost Compost tips What can compost be used for? Types of composters What can be composted What not to compost Compost tools Editor’s Note: Add Text If you want to help take care of the planet , there are many things you can do on an individual level to be more sustainable . You can use eco-friendly products like Swedish dishcloths , reusable bags and bidets . You can drive less or switch to more sustainable fashion brands and shoes . But if you still want to reduce your impact on the planet, there’s another simple solution that everyone can do: composting. Food waste is a huge contributor to climate change; in fact, according to the World Wildlife Fund , “about 6% to 8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if we stop wasting food,” and in the U.S. alone, food waste emits about the same amount of greenhouse gasses as 32.6 million cars. The EPA estimates that over one-third of food is wasted in the US, making it the most common material in landfills. And when food sits in those landfills, it’s unable to decompose. …