I saw this bit "How to check if your compost is ready" a few months back and forgot about it until somebody retweeted it today (thanks to @greenbiztweets). It is very timely as I just finished my bioplastic article, which talked about compostable plastics. Check that one coming out on June 29! If you really want to learn how to compost your organic stuff (food waste...etc) the Fun Times Guide blog and natural personal care products producer Seventh Generation have some tips to share