Getting Green: Composting #2, Basics

Composting can be as complicated or as simple as you want.  Depending on how big of a hurry you are in for the end result. We didn't need our compost to be ready until next spring, so we were able to keep it pretty simple.
You need to layer your “browns” and “greens” evenly.  Keep it moist enough so it has a slight dampness, and turn it occasionally.
Browns:(Carbon)

• Dry Leaves-shredded
• Woody plant trimmings-Shrubs, Trees, Dead Perennial Stems, Dried Cornstalks-Shredded
• Paper Products-Shredded Paper: Confidential, used paper towels, uncoated paper plates. Wet Cardboard, and Cereal Boxes.
• Straw-grain leftover straw
• Pine Needles- Use sparingly
• Sawdust-High in carbon
• Peat Moss
• Wood Ash

Green: (Nitrogen)

• Kitchen scraps- coffee filters, cut flowers, crushed eggshells, breads, tea bags, vegetable trimmings, fruits, pasta, rice and crushed nutshells(not walnut).
• Grass clippings
• Feathers
• Hair
• Leaves
• Algae
• Seaweed

You cannot just throw anything into your compost pile/bin and expect it to decompose, or be safe.  Use only the things on the list.  We have yet to have problems with wild life disturbing it.  If you were to throw things into it not listed above you could have problems with animals. 
Great Resources for my information:

• “Composting for Dummies”-Cathy Cromell
• Urban Garden Center

I hope that this helps everyone that might have an interest in reducing the garbage that you send out.  Please comment, I would love to hear your thoughts.