Source: Auckland Council
Two local groups are showing how to turn organic waste and leftover food crumbs into useful compost.
“I’m pleased to see that local groups are proactive and showing us how a small, sometime even individual but consistent efforts at the local level can have a meaningful positive impact on our environment,” says Albert-Eden Local Board Chair Margi Watson.
At the Edendale Primary School, the Compost Collective was kicked off by the whānau, led by parent Juliet Dale who approached the school to gauge interest in starting a compost collective. She received enthusiastic support from the teachers and the students.
“We have wonderful Garden to Table programme where the children learn how to garden and prepare produce for eating,” says Fleur Tuck, the Environment Leader at Edendale Primary.
“Currently, we need to buy lots of bags of compost to supplement the compost and worm tea we already make at school.”
With help from the Auckland Council, The Carbon Cycle Company and specialists from the Garden to Table team, the school was able to organise a site and put a programme in place.
“With a collective compost we can make all our compost on-site as well as contribute to the circular economy. It’s not always easy to have a compost at home. This way everyone wins, especially the environment,” says Tuck.
Growing Together is a collaborative effort
Growing Together, a collaborative social enterprise and charity, is committed to reducing the amount of food waste going into landfill.
The group has worked hard over the last 18 months with Grow Space, Eden Park, and Carbon Cycle together to process organic waste within the park grounds on non-match days using six compost bins (provided by Carbon Cycle).
“Organic waste is a valuable resource. Through hot composting, we will transform this organic resource into living compost. This can be used to support local growing initiatives,” says Project Manager Jason Dodunski.
In the next phase, the hub will increase capacity and invite local businesses and residents to join their efforts. Growing Together will develop a drop-off and collection service and raise awareness of the benefits of composting through education, practical training and shared learning.
“We are excited to now have the opportunity to invite more neighbours, both local businesses and residents to join the composting revolution in our neighbourhood, says Dodunski.
Keen to get involved? Get in touch with the team: foodlab.akl@gmail.com
Both groups received funding from Auckland Council’s Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund.
