Vani Murthy, who is fondly known as @WormRani on Instagram, began her composting journey at 50. She proves that it’s never too late to make a difference. Murthy was a homemaker for most of her life. But her transformation into a sustainability advocate began when she realized the growing problem of urban waste. Years later, at 60, she tried her hand at social media and created an Instagram account to share her passion for composting and sustainable living. Today, she has over 2.3 lakh followers and she’s a celebrated changemaker inspiring people across India and beyond to manage waste responsibly.
In 2009, a visit to Bengaluru’s Mavallipura landfill changed Vani’s perspective on waste forever. The sight of endless heaps of garbage shocked her into action. Motivated to ensure her own waste didn’t contribute to the city’s overflowing landfills, she started learning about composting—a practice that turns kitchen waste into nutrient-rich soil.
As a homemaker, Vani had never considered herself an environmentalist. But her collaboration with the resident welfare association in Malleshwaram opened doors to new opportunities. he started the “Wealth Out of Waste” project with a friend where they focused on recycling and reducing waste. Soon after, she co-founded the Solid Waste Management Roundtable Bengaluru, a collective helping citizens to adopt waste segregation, composting, and recycling practices.
Vani began composting at home using simple tools and techniques. She segregated her kitchen waste into wet and dry categories, combining vegetable peels, fruit skins, and other organic matter with dry leaves in aerated containers. Adding sour buttermilk and other natural microbes helped the decomposition process along.
She admits the initial stages were challenging but emphasizes how rewarding the results were. “Composting isn’t just about managing waste—it’s about giving back to the Earth,” she explains. Today, Vani’s compost nourishes her lush terrace garden, which boasts a variety of herbs, vegetables, and greens.
At 60, Vani ventured into Instagram to spread her message. What began as an effort to educate her immediate community blossomed into a global movement. Under the handle @WormRani, she shares simple tutorials, reels, and tips on composting, waste management, and sustainable living. Her positivity and relatable approach resonate with audiences of all ages, making her an internet sensation.
Her online presence has also made her a sought-after speaker. She regularly conducts workshops and collaborates with organizations like National Geographic, inspiring communities to embrace eco-friendly practices.
Sustainability has been central to Vani’s life, even before she became a composting advocate. Raised in a minimalist household, she grew up reusing and repairing items rather than discarding them. Her father’s resourcefulness left a lasting impression, inspiring her to adopt a similar approach in her own home.
Her terrace garden is a testament to her commitment to sustainable living. From fresh coriander to exotic herbs, everything in her garden thrives on homemade compost. Even while travelling, Vani ensures she carries reusable items and avoids single-use plastics wherever possible.
Vani’s efforts extend far beyond her home. Through initiatives like Compost Connect, which links compost producers with farmers, and the Green the Red campaign, which advocates for sustainable menstruation, she has made a significant impact. Her advocacy has also influenced Bengaluru’s waste management policies, proving that individual action can drive systemic change.
Vani’s journey from a homemaker to an environmental leader highlights the power of small, consistent steps. Her message is clear: “We have only one planet, and we must take care of it.” By starting with something as simple as composting, she believes everyone can contribute to a cleaner, greener world.
Her story inspires us and tells us that it’s never too late to embrace a new purpose, inspire change, and leave a lasting impact.