Compost and fertilize soil at the same time

What do you do with your leftover scraps of veggies and fruit? Two thumbs up if you answered: "I put them in the green bin or compost them in my yard."

Composting organic food items (minus meat), leaves, paper and wood is an excellent way to cut back on garbage. In fact, the Composting Council of Canada estimates that 50 per cent of stuff that goes to landfills could be composted. Better yet, decomposed organic matter makes soil more fertile, so you have healthier, heartier plants and trees!

If your municipality doesn't offer a composting program but you have a garden, consider making your own compost in your backyard. Find out how at compost.org.

Apartment and condos dwellers, you can make your own, too -- all you need is a container, a bit of bedding, and some worms. If that sounds gross, don't worry. The worms are contained and quietly do their job. Get details on how to compost at the City of Toronto's website.