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Greens -- are high in nitrogen, and provide the building blocks for the protein that microorganisms need to reproduce.  Think living plants.

Browns -- are high in carbon and provide the carbon source for microorganisms.  Think dead plants.

Water -- enough to make the compost feel like a damp sponge.  a handful should be wet enough that just a drop or two of water drips out when you squeeze your hand shut. 

Oxygen -- got to have the breath of life so that all those little microorganisms can breathe. Lack of oxygen to a major contributor cause your compost to smell.  Turning on a regular basis and adding browns will keep a adequate supply of oxygen.