Howdy Folks,
Just popping in with a little heads up this it’s currently International Compost Week! Running from May 2 – 8th, it’s a time to tune into what’s happening with you, food waste and composting. Maybe it’s not going so well for you right now (we’ve all been there), but friends it doesn’t have to be so. Composting can be a glorious activity – god for you and the planet…
How’s it good for the planet?
Once food waste ends up in landfill it rots and becomes anaerobic, which transforms the organic matter in the food into methane and carbon dioxide. Unfortunately, methane is 25 times more harmful to our atmosphere than carbon dioxide.
In Australia alone food waste is responsible for the following every year.
- $20 billion is lost to the economy through food waste.
- Up to 25 percent of all vegetables produced don’t leave the farm—31 percent of carrots that don’t leave the farm equate to a cost of $60 million.
- The total cost of agricultural food losses to farmers is $2.84 billion.
- Households throw away 3.1 million tonnes of edible food, that’s close to 17,000 grounded 747 jumbo jets.
- Food waste costs to households vary from $2,200 to $3,800.[i]
- 35% of the average household bin is food waste.[ii]
It’s all a little bit shit and bad. But the good news is this is one of the easiest things we can change in our home and garden spaces. Check out the resources below to help you along the way.
Free Compost Resources
- Our little compost book: A while back I wrote a compost book for the City of Hobart which has since been picked up by the neighbouring Kingborough Council. It’s jam packed full of info to get you started or keep you going on your compost journey – you can download it here.
- Our food waste video: Last year I made this video (amongst others) to help people activate their landscapes and turn their kitchen waste into garden gold – check it out here!
No matter where you are there’s almost always a compost solution for everyone. Just do a little bit of learning and have a crack – the Earth thanks you in advance!
[i] https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/4683826b-5d9f-4e65-9344-a900060915b1/files/national-food-waste-strategy.pdf
[ii] https://www.ozharvest.org/what-we-do/environment-facts/#:~:text=In%20Australia%3A&text=Over%205%20million%20tonnes%20of,household%20bin%20is%20food%20waste.
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