We have synthesized a nanocomposite of a new type as a humidity sensor and studied its electric and optical properties. The carboxymethyl cellulose-starch-copper oxide nanocomposite is prepared with different concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles. The DC electric conductivity of the carboxymethyl cellulose-starch-copper oxide system was tested at room temperature. The results show that the DC conductivity of the blend increases with the copper oxide concentration. The optical properties of the nanocomposite are measured in the range of wavelengths (220-800) nm. The results show that the absorbance of the blend increases with the concentration of copper oxide nanoparticles, whereas the energy band gap decreases. With the purpose to use the system as a humidity sensor, its electric capacitance was measured on different samples in the range of humidity (40-90) RH%. The experimental results have shown that the carboxymethyl cellulose-starch-copper oxide nanocomposite has a higher sensivity in the humidity range (60-90) RH%.