This means NO plastic utensils, condiment packages, plastic wrap, plastic bags, foil, silverware, drinking straws, bottles, polystyrene, or chemicals. Red meat and bones should be avoided. If you have a compost pile in your backyard that hasn't produced any compost, this is probably why. If the ratio increases decomposition is slowed, if it decreases foul odors and nitrogen loss can occur. Just experiment with different recipes, but remember that all food waste will be smelly and all leaves won't break down.
Greens are nitrogen rich and are usually moist.
Browns are carbon rich and are usually dry. Any more or less will slow the composting process. To much moisture can also make your compost pile smell bad. A way to test it is by grabbing a clump of the compost and squeezing it. If it leaves your hand feeling slightly wet, then it's perfect.