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Compost after Reading

A Practical Manifesto for Purposeful Decomposition

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Contributors

By Cassandra Marketos

Formats and Prices

On Sale
Mar 17, 2026
Page Count
256 pages
Publisher
Timber Press
ISBN-13
9781643264622

Price

$19.99

Price

$25.99 CAD

Format

Format:

  1. Trade Paperback $19.99 $25.99 CAD
  2. ebook $11.99 $15.99 CAD
  3. Audiobook Download (Unabridged) $18.99

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Composting is so much more than just transforming food into soil; it is deeply existential, radical, and soul-opening. And no, it’s not just for gardeners. You can compost in a bowl on your kitchen counter, or a bag under your sink, and you can compost things you’re told you can’t (although there are some things you probably shouldn’t). Everyone can compost. And even if you’re not going to compost at all, knowing about compost is engaging with a dialogue about zero waste.

With wry and brilliant writing, ​Cassanda Marketos brings the culture, beauty, community, and philosophy of compost to life in this one-of-a-kind, inventive work of narrative nonfiction that brings compost out of the dark ages and into the contemporary moment. Delightfully philosophical and inviting, it is an accessible guide to everything you need to know about compost, with actionable advice for beginners and experienced composters. You will learn why compost works, where to put your compost, how to pick your compost set up, the basics of decomposition, what to put in a compost pile, where to source your compost materials, and how to build a pile. With insights on what tools to consider, how to deal with odors, insects, and other critters, and transitioning your compost pile for colder weather, find easy-to-follow compost pile designs, tips on composting in small spaces, composting with worms, and how to compost things you’re always told you can’t (you just need to know how). This book has something for everyone, at any stage in their compost journey, and includes edgy, delightful illustrations by the artist Sludge Thunder throughout. And…it’s literally compostable. Read it, follow the advice, and toss it into your compost pile. 

  • “Cassandra Marketos had me with the title. Only, I won’t compost it—I will cherish it and pass it on. I am a compost freak and evangelist and so is Marketos. She is also a great writer; this book has lots of soul searching and philosophical thoughts about one of the most important things we all should be doing. What a wonderful read!”
    Jeff Lowenfels, author of Teaming with Microbes

Cassandra Marketos

About the Author

Cassandra Marketos is a certified Naturalist and UC Master Gardener. She worked previously at Kickstarter as their first employee in 2009, and later as VP of community strategy. She went on to work at the White House as the deputy director of digital outbound. She has extensive experience as a community composter and compost consultant in Los Angeles, CA and has a wide network of artists and professionals.

Learn more about this author