Best of all, you don’t need a garden to get involved. Read on to find out which one is right for you.
Around half of the waste that goes into your bin is compostable. And if you compost it well, it breaks down without releasing methane (a potent greenhouse gas) and turns into one mighty fine fertilizer for your garden. Ain’t nature grand! So if you’ve got a sunny patch in your backyard, a compost bin is for you.
Lots of local councils sell heavily subsidised compost bins, so get in touch with them now. OR if you’re handy with the hammer and tools, you can build one of your own.
Worm farms are popular with apartment dwellers, schools and offices because they flourish both inside and out and don’t take up much space at all. Unfortunately they don’t let you compost as much waste as compost or bokashi bins do but on the up side, you’re able to throw in that lovely daily surprise (ie. poo) you get from your furry friends.
You can buy worm farms from your local council or you can make your own. Hop here for a step by step guide.
Find out what can and can’t go into your compost
If you live in an apartment with no outdoor space, a bokashi bin is your best bet. Bokashi buckets use microbes to break down your food waste. They can also handle meat scraps and dairy products that worm farms and compost bins can’t. They have a handy tap that allows you to drain the liquid out without a hitch. So clever. And best of all, they don’t smell or make a mess, so keeping it in the kitchen shouldn’t be a problem.
You can purchase your Bokashi bucket and dry mixture at a nursery, organic or environment shop or, of course, online.