Homer, Albany
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I work in the community gardening and waste minimisation area.
Which composting methods do you use?
At home, I have four composting ways to cope all kind of organic waste generated from home, even taking in some waste (or rather, resources) from elsewhere in order to keep the system going. Bokashi and worm farms take up almost all our food waste. Processed bokashi solids often become compost bin feed as there is not much space for digging it into my garden. I also have liquid brews made out of selected plant parts (usually garden waste).
When did you start composting?
I started composting journey since I took the horticulture course at Unitec ten years ago.
Why do you do it?
Did my job make me a composting fan or did my gardening hobby and composting skill lead me to these jobs? A bit of both. At least now I can clearly understand that organic waste is not rubbish. It doesn’t deserve to go to the landfill causing harm to environment. Instead, it is a indirect resource for human and planet earth. I believe that home composting is the best practice in terms of lowering our carbon footprint.
What do you love about it?
I love to observe and appreciate the amazing creation that turns trash into treasure. It is a joy to see lots of tiger worms tangled up, to sniff the sweet vinegar-like bokashi juice smell, to play hide and seek with composting bugs while digging down into the pile slowly.
How do you think we can encourage more Aucklanders to compost?
Have Compost Day during EcoFest month. Show successful examples and the tips on how to get those results to residents, especially those who say they live in a small properties or apartments. Organise home visits to champion composters.
The Compost Collective runs free composting workshops all across Auckland. Participants get a $40 discount voucher to use on a compost system that suits them.
