2007 Festive Update #1 - Bokashi Composting Australia

Hi Composters

If you haven't seen these videos already, then take a look.

http://youtube.com/profile_videos?user=billjackjane

Please note we will be closing down for 2 weeks over Christmas the last day that orders will be dispatched, prior to Christmas is Friday 22 December 2007. We will be back in the office and dispatch orders again on Friday 4 January 2008.

Have a safe and happy Christmas.

The Bokashi Composting Australia Team

Bokashi Tips (#5) Bokashi

Can you add Bokashi waste to traditional compost systems?

Most Certainly.
Customer reports confirm the following, if you are at all concerned with rats or pets gaining access to an open compost, then the following is not advised.

We would recommend that the EM Bokashi powder has had some time to start fermenting (under the Bokashi instructions you received with your system) the waste before you add to traditional compost bin. The Compost Bin, would preferably be one of the covered types, rather than open to vermin (just a precaution)

Can you add Bokashi waste to worm farms?

Most Certainly
We have had reports from Worm Farmers that the worms love the Bokashi wast. Even when it may contain citrus, onion and meat content, they seem to like it better under the Bokashi system. a couple of weeks, and they are fully trained.

We are not composting experts and you act on the tips above at your own risk. This is a blog, designed to educate and assist. There is no money back guarentee on what's noted here. Please comment on your experiences or findings.

Manly Ocean Care Day Festival - Sun 2nd Dec 2007

Sustainability Lane - The Lane Cove Village Fair

When
Sunday, 14 th October 2007 - Lane Cove - Sydney

Where
Lane Cove Shopping Precint. Longueville Rd, Lane Cove Plaza and Burns Bay Rd

Sustainability Lane is an exciting new precinct of the Lane Cove Village Fair. Sustainability Lane will feature a range of stalls, demonstrations and workshops with an environmental theme.

-Learn simple ways to reduce your ecological footprint

-Meet your local community groups and see how you can getinvolved

-Participate in workshops and activities and learn practical actions we can all take

-Discover how easy it is to think Global and Act Local!

For more information about stalls, activities and the shuttle bus go to: www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/sustainabilitylane

ReveTech Engine

This is not compost related, I know, but I just found this video so interesting, it had to be shared.

Blacktown Environment Fair - Sydney - Australia

This weekend, Bokashi Composting Australia is participating in the Blactown Free Environment Expo Day.

Saturday, 29 th September 2007, Woodcroft Dr, Woodcroft

http://www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/news-releases/free-environmental-expo-day-at-woodcroft-festival-has-something-for-everyone.cfm

See you there!

Bokashi Tips (#4) Bokashi

Masher

Do you need a masher. Some distributors/resellers provide them. Frankly, BCA is intent on not providing unecessary plastic (which they mostly are)

1. most persons have a potato masher (in western cultures, more so, no offence), so why not use this and just rince it off afterwards
2. you can get one from the salvos for about 50 cents
3. use a plastic shopping bag. Put your hand in side, use it to spread the waste and disperse any unecessary air pockets
4. some will say that a masher is not even necessary, just let the natural weight of the waste you are collecting, find it's own place.

Risk, to hard compression will hinder drainage, resulting in little Bokashi Juice.

Main Menu

The Main Menu along the top of this blog is not pointed well. Until I fix it, please just take the 2007 part out of the address/link and you should be able to reach all URL's. Otherwise, go to www.bokashi.com.au and start from these URL's.

Thanks for your continued support.

LIVE GREEN

Today, we have performed our forthtnightly existence at Orange Grove Organic Food Market's, as we have done for the last 2 years.... after that, we packed up and took ourselves to the LiveGreen event at Victoria Park in Sydney's Broadway/City Road district.

I/We were really impressed with the event. it took in one of the best parts of Sydney park life that I can recommend. It's so close to us in the inner west that most of us can gbet to it by public transport. Even I managed a carpark on Parramatta Rd (going east) only 4 mins from the event. Considering that Syd Uni had a major bio student openday, the thousands of people that I seen at the event (post 2:00pm) was promising. Next year would be a great event.

All the big eco's have been there. (apart from NECO, where were you?). Example, TODAE,.

anyway, The Bokashi Bucket will be coming to a store near you soon, Look out for it's new name.

If you go to a nursery, and they don't have Bokashi powder, please ask for it, and recommend Bokashi Composting Australia. If you need any brochures/posters, pls don't hesitate to email, we can ship these immediately to your local nursery/eco-shop.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, and drive safe.

Cameron

Bokashi Tips (#3) Bokashi

Remember.

1. The longer you leave your bokashi waste in the bucket to ferment; the quicker it will breakdown when you come to bury it.
2. Also, the longer you leave your bokashi waste in the bucket, the more bokashi juice; should continue to be produced.

Please email info@bokashi.com.au if you have any questions or concerns.

Mosman Sustainable Living Expo 2007

Bokashi Composting Australia will have a stall here and you will be able to see mini demonstrations and buy product.

Date
Saturday 4 August 2007
Time
10:00AM - 3:00PM
Place
Mosman Art Gallery, Youth Centre and outdoors areas

Come along to see how you can save water, reduce waste, conserve biodiversity, travel responsibly, enjoy organic food and contribute to our environment!
The Expo will offer a source of information and inspiration for people of various ages and interests.
The Expo will feature numerous stalls, educational workshops, speakers, prizes, fun activities for kids and a free organic BBQ from noon.
It will cover a diverse range of topics from ethics to energy, waste to wildlife, grey water to green power and compost to cars.

Program of events
10am
Opening of Expo by Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of MosmanInformation Stall
10.20 – 11.00
Workshop – Your Ecological Footprint – Living within the Means of Nature – Julian Crawford, EcoSTEPSMelody Room, Mosman Art Gallery
11.00 – 12.30
Film Screening – Who Killed the Electric Car?Civic Centre, Council Chambers
11.20 – 12.00
Talk – Ethical Investment – James Their, Australian Ethical InvestmentMelody Room, Mosman Art Gallery
12.00 – 12.45
Demonstration – Organic Raw Living Food Preparation & Tasting – Julie Mitsios, Conscious ChoiceMosman Youth Development Centre
12.00 – 2.00
Free Organic BBQOutside Mosman Art Gallery
12.20 – 1.00
Workshop – Your Ecological Footprint – Living within the Means of Nature – Julian Crawford, EcoSTEPSMelody Room, Mosman Art Gallery
12.45 – 1.15
Talk – GoGet CarShare: How Does it Work?Civic Centre, Council Chambers (to be confirmed)
1.20 – 2.00
Workshop – Room by Room: Enviro friendly solutions to domestic disasters! – Shannon Lush & Jennifer Fleming (authors of Spotless & Speed Cleaning)Melody Room, Mosman Art Gallery
1.30 – 3.00
Film Screening – Who Killed the Electric Car?Civic Centre, Council Chambers
2.20 – 3.00
Talk – Sustainable Seafood: What is it? – Giselle Firme, Nature Conservation CouncilMelody Room, Mosman Art Gallery
3pm
Close of Expo

You will have the opportunity to:
Access information on investing in sustainability from the Ethical Investments workshop
Bring in a photo or cutting of your weeds or native plants for identification
Create your own sustainable shopping bag
Decide how you can reduce your green house gas emissions
Entertain the idea of an adventure with Global Vision International
Find out how to be a responsible shopper
Grab a free copy of G Magazine
Have a laugh with ‘Solar Stan the Energy Man’
Inspect rainwater tanks and grey water reuse systems
Join an environmental group or email list
Keep up to date with the work of Mosman Council and environmental organizations
Learn more about how to reduce waste
Marvel at an electric vehicle
Nab a native plant
Observe Indigenous dancing
Purchase fair trade, hand made products from East Timor, Zimbabwe & Peru
Question your role in animal welfare
Receive informative brochures
Speak with environmental professionals
Taste test organic food
Understand how native animals are rescued and rehabilitated by Sydney Wildlife
View an environmental film
Win a prize for your environmental know how
X-pect kids to have fun with the activities for children
Yearn for a coffee from the fair trade coffee cart
Zoom in on the Taronga Zoo displays

GREEN ELEPHANT MARKETS

GREEN ELEPHANT MARKETS
Paddington Public School’s

When: Sunday 17 June, 2007
Time: 10am – 4pm
Where: Paddington Public School, Oxford St, Paddington

Paddington Public School is currently undergoing a transformation. With the help of NECO, Blue Earth Inc. and October Sun Enterprises, Paddington Public School is making inroads into being a clean, green primary school.

To showcase the school’s green initiatives and to assist in educating students, parents and the broader community on issues relating to sustainable living, the idea of an ‘eco-fete’ was formulated. It was felt that this would be the best way to offer en masse information relating to both the schools environmental changes and general information on living sustainably.

To be held on June 17th in the grounds of Paddington Public School, the Green Elephant Eco-fete will offer real solutions to many of the issues related to global warming and climate change.

Featured at the fete will be eco-workshops, an environmental forum, demonstrations of urban sustainable products, services and initiatives and key guest speakers discussing issues related to this topic. Also featured will be entertainment throughout the day.

PS, Sydneys Lord Mayor, Clover Moore is participating in the Fete

New Video Posted

As you may have seen from the "How Bokashi Works" page. we have a video posted on YouTube that explains what to do with your Bokashi Waste. We have posted a new video on what happens to your waste after it is buried. Take time to watch. Let us know if you have any questions.

RANDWICK CITY COUNCILS'S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

Workshop on Bokashi in the South Room, 1:30PM - 2:15PM

10:30am - 3:30pm
Saturday 16 June 2007
Celebrating World Environment Day
FREE advice and workshops on how to make your home eco-friendly
Randwick Community Centre
27 Munda Street Randwick
off Hendy Avenue Randwick
www.randwick.nsw.gov.au/ecoliving 1300 722 542

View Flyer Here

ORGANIC FOOD AND FARMERS MARKETS

This weekend we will be "Showing & Selling" The Bokashi Bucket Composting System at the following locations.

Saturday, 2nd June 2007 - Leichhardt
Orange Grove Public School, Corner of Perry Street and Balmain Road, Leichhardt
8:00am to 1:00pm
Sunday, 3rd June 2007 – Frenchs Forest
The Parkway Hotel, Frenchs Forest Road East, Frenchs Forrest
8:00am to 1:00pm

Come along and buy organic vegetables, clothing, plants, paddock to gate meat products, all while you are there. You cane even get your knives sharpened!
http://www.organicfoodmarkets.com.au

Warringah Council’s World Environment Day Expo 2007

Bokashi Composting Australia were again proud to be associated for the second year in a row, this event last Sunday. We were able to show many hundreds of people the Bokashi Bucket composting System. 3 Cheers to Warringah Council for a superbly organised event.

http://www.warringah.nsw.gov.au/environment/WEDEXPO2007.aspx

Bokashi Tips (#2) Bokashi Powder Scoop

Another way to be kind on the environment is to re-use, rather than recycle.

Use the clothes washing powder scoop for dispensing EM Bokashi Powder to your "Bokashi Composting Bucket"

Bokashi Tips (#1) Leaking Tap

This is a common problem when composters loosen the front dial more than ¾, therefore unscrewing the main aperture.

3 reasons for leak
1. Broken or cracked parts
2. Parts too tight, washers bulge outside of flanges
3. Loose back assembly (tap, nut and 2 washers (various causes)
4. Loose main aperture or assembly (i.e. unscrewing too much when there is no apparent juice)

After removing the waste, tap can be removed and reassembled, but you need to:

I. Dismount the tap from the bucket
II. Take the dial face off the tap, and then unscrew the dial from the main assembly.
III. Thoroughly clean all parts every few months.
IV. Reassemble the main assembly.
V. Attach back to the bucket
N.B. - Ask a friend with basic mechanical or plumbing exp to help you reinstall if you are still unsure.

Note, when tapping off ‘Bokashi Juice’, if there is none apparent, and you rock from side to side and can hear liquid, just try this:
Ø Open and close repeatedly until juice runs (this may clear any blockage)
Ø Use a skewer to clear the spout.

Never unscrew more than ¾

Taps are $10.00 unless you believe there is something wrong with the tap itself.

Happy Composting

Footnote. , If there is something wrong with the tap, and you are prepared to send the old tap back to us, we will replace the affected tap for free.

BOKASHI NEWS

To Our Customers
We thank all our customers for your support and feedback over the last 18 months. We appreciate it.

Our EnvironmentBokashi Composting Australia was established in September 2005, and since then the understanding that we need to reduce our negative impact on the environment has grown enormously. Al Gore’s documentary “An Inconvenient Truth” certainly contributed to this new awareness.

Third on his list of the 10 simple things you can do is RECYCLE MORE. Recycling just half of your household waste can save 1,100 kilograms of carbon dioxide entering our atmosphere each year.

Composting is the most efficient way to recycle. Many people who used to have little concern about environmental issues are now very keen to make changes to their lifestyle, and they can start with composting. We receive a lot of feedback from customers thrilled by how much their waste has reduced since using The Bokashi Bucket. We love it when people realise how much positive impact The Bokashi Bucket can have on the environment.

Great News for Queensland Customers
The Queensland Government is providing a 50% rebate of up to $50 for certain gardening products including The Bokashi Bucket Composting System. The Home Garden Water Wise Rebate Scheme is a Queensland Government incentive aimed at helping householders make their gardens more water efficient during this time of severe drought. What a great opportunity to purchase a Bokashi Bucket at half price!

If you would like any more information on the Queensland Government’s Home Garden Water Wise Rebate Scheme, contact the Queensland Government Hotline on 1800 243 585 or visit: http://www.nrw.qld.gov.au/water/saverscheme/index

Changes to Bokashi
Our mission is to produce and package Bokashi with as little negative impact on our environment as possible. At the same time, we want to keep the cost low for our customers.

Our Bokashi contains Effective Micro-organismsTM as developed by Professor Teruo Higa of the University of Tyukyus in Japan. These beneficial micro-organisms are the most important ingredient in Bokashi. We have made slight changes to the recipe, but only in the dry ingredients, which are a carrier for the micro-organisms. Bokashi can be made using different organic material such as bran, malt combings, rice pollard, rice hulks and sawdust.

Bokashi in Brown Paper Bags
A few customers have told us that some Bokashi sold in brown paper bags has gone mouldy. If Bokashi is stored correctly and kept dry, it should last for at least 12 months. If you have any problems or concerns regarding any Bokashi purchased from Bokashi Composting Australia, please contact us.

Information & Feedback
Our website provides lots of information and we have recently added a blog page where we will add news and where we welcome comments. We are also very happy to answer any questions or receive feedback via email or telephone.

Have a great day, and best regards,