Odd as it may seem, backyard composting helps us get back to basics in more ways than meets the eye. In our fast paced, technology dependent world, the distinction between basic human needs and wants is blurring at a rapid rate. When all is said and done, the basic, core needs of our human existence remain those provided by none other than Mother Earth. How does backyard composting provide important healthy lifestyle reminders?

For most of us, the pace of life seems to spin almost out of our control. Sometimes it’s best to consider that less really is more. The practice of getting back to basics, living in the world rather than on it and slowing down the gears can help you relax and enjoy the more simple pleasures in life. Composting helps you stay grounded, keeps you in touch with our earth, provides free soil amendments and encourages hours of relaxation as you naturally beautify your yard and gardens.

While composting is well known for freeing our yards and gardens from costly chemical fertilizers and saving our drinking water from landfills’ toxic leaching, there are more reasons to join the composting ranks and increase the positive impact on our lives. Here are 12 life lesson offered as reminders from the depths of our compost bin.

*Eat healthy. Organic fruits and veggies fuel our bodies and the scraps and peelings keep our compost bins cooking.

*Drink water. Respect the value of water to keep our bodies and our compost bins hydrated.

*Set goals and save money. Reduce, reuse, recycle and restore in all aspects of our lives and yard. You’ll save more than money.

*Get real. Embrace that what you put into anything in life, including your compost bin, is exactly what you will get out of it.

*Stay active. Exercise our minds and bodies and turn our bins with those muscles we forgot we had.

*Maintain life balance. Keep ourselves, as well as the mix of green and brown compost bin materials in balance.

*Get fresh air. Keep our lungs and compost bins aerated and healthy.

*Get organized. Waste not, want not. Put our things where they belong in our homes and in our bins.

*Set an example. Teach our kids to respect and value nature by helping turn kitchen and yard waste into useful soil amenities.

*Be disciplined. Commit to the healthy growth of our bodies, souls, families and bins.

*Enjoy life. Take time to smell the roses and the sweet, earthy smell of ready compost.

*Pat yourself on the back. Reap the rewards of your life achievements and the beautiful organic yard and gardens you create.

Start or expand your home composting effort today and feel good about your life and the healthy environmental footprint you create. Future generations are dependent on the care we give our earth, and the care we teach our kids to give, NOW! Help do the right thing in your corner of the world! Compost today!