Food & Garden Waste into Resources

Wollongong City Council delves into Household Garbage and how to deal with local landfill issues.

In this web article page, Wollongong Council covers traditional composting, (which some of us are more familiar with)  Top marks that they have a program and calendar for local workshops.  equally important to some is there is an email address that residents can contact (and get added to their newsletter)  sustainability@wollongong.nsw.gov.au

If in the meantime you wish to buy a Bokashi Bucket & Bokashi mix,  you can visit via the web to www.bokashi.com.au (Local Experts). 

When speaking with your local council, don't forget to request that the local service centre stocks the Bokashi Buckets and Bokashi Mix.  For example,  Kiama Council,  stocks and sells this system at a reduced price to ratepayers and you can pick up the products Kiama Council’s Works Depot, Belvedere Street, Kiama .

Food and Garden Waste into Resources

 

Gosford City Council on Recycling Organic Waste

One long informative web page on being sustainable at home and at work.  Composting, Worm Farming, Composting in general...  I have read through, and this is a great synapses to what is available to home owners, wishing to make a change...  Check-out the "Bokashi Bucket's" section at the bottom of the page.  To buy Bokashi Buckets in NSW, head to www.bokashi.com.au or request your local Council or municipality to stock the buckets and Bokashi Mix.  http://www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/environment/sustainability/waste/organic-waste

North Sydney Worm Farm and Bokashi Workshop

When: Sat 13 Oct, 1-3pm
Where: Coal Loader Centre for Sustainability, 2 Balls Head Drive Waverton
Worm farming is a great way to reduce your food waste and create ready-made fertiliser. The Bokashi composting bin system is an effective and convenient way to compost kitchen waste and is suitable for homes, apartments and townhouses.

North Sydney Council
Customer Service Centre
200 Miller Street, North Sydney NSW 2060
T (02) 9936 8100
F (02) 9936 8177
E council@northsydney.nsw.gov.au

http://www.northsydney.nsw.gov.au/www/html/6126-green-events.asp

BOKASHI COMPOSTING AUSTRALIA

New "BOKASHI ONE™" Website Launch (AU)

Great New Aussie Website with loads of helpful information on product, product-use and FAQ's.  Purchase online (for Australian customers only) or search Australian City & Regional locations for Authorised Resellers.  View helpful videos.  Purchase Part's or send an Enquiry.

The Ecoliving Fair 2012

Randwick City Council's annual environmental event, The Ecoliving Fair, provides the perfect opportunity to learn about the benefits of living a sustainable lifestyle.

When:	Sep 16 2012
Time:	10:30am-3:30pm
Location:	Randwick Community Centre, Munda Street (off Bundock Street, off Hendy Avenue), Randwick
Contact:	Events on 9399 0999
Email:	events@randwick.nsw.gov.au

The Ecoliving Fair is a fantastic local community event incorporating the Festival of the Bike and the Garden Awards. This environmental family fun day provides an opportunity to celebrate and educate the community about living sustainably.

With free workshops, talks, native plant giveaways, organic food and a huge variety of stalls selling local quality wares there really is something for everyone.

Why not push some pedal power and ride your bike to the Fair - you can valet your bike! There will be lots of free activities and entertainment so come along bring the entire family and enjoy a guilt free day out!

FREE Household Chemical Cleanout and e-Waste drop-off day

It's time to CleanOut your household chemical clutter and unused e-Waste items- the right way. These events are scheduled quarterly throughout the year to encourage residents to dispose of unwanted household chemicals and e-Waste that has been stored in garages and sheds for many years, unused and unwanted. This service is provided free of charge.

The events will be held at the Marrickville Council Technical Centre, 15-17 Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters from 9.00-3.30pm on the following dates:

• Saturday 4 August 2012
• Saturday 10 November 2012

(PLEASE NOTE ENTRY IS VIA BOLTON STREET AND EXIT VIA UNWINS BRIDGE ROAD - LEFT HAND TURN ONLY)

So if you have old paints, gas bottles, fluorescent tubes, batteries, motor oils, household cleaners, computers, TVs, cameras and other electronic waste simply bring them to Marrickville Council's FREE household chemical and e-Waste drop off day. All brands of e-Waste will be accepted including all computer, home office, entertainment equipment and toys. All items will be recycled and diverted from landfill to protect our environment.

POSTER
This initiative will help ensure safer homes and a cleaner environment, significantly reducing waste and increasing recycling.

Important points to remember:
Please remember to pack unwanted chemicals in secure containers and carefully transport the waste to the drop off point to ensure that the chemicals do not leak or spill.

Please refrain from leaving chemicals and e-Waste items outside the gate after opening hours as it is dangerous and will be treated as an illegal dumping matter. No materials can be dropped off or accepted at Marrickville Council Technical Centre prior to, or after this date unless advertised.

If you cannot attend on the above date, please see the 'Chemical Cleanout Flyer' at the bottom of this page for alternative dates and locations. Note however that this is for Household Chemical Cleanout items only, not e-Waste.

Never mix chemicals as this may produce dangerous reactions.

Wherever possible keep all chemicals in their original containers.

Ensure containers are clearly labelled and well sealed. If you do not know what is in the container, label it UNKNOWN CHEMICAL.

Liquid can leak during transport. Wrap containers holding liquids securely in newspaper and place them into sturdy plastic bags, then pack in plastic buckets or trays.

Keep household chemicals away from passengers, e.g. in the boot.

By Checking out the Title Link, scroll to the bottom to check previous results of this collection. Amazing results!

Please click here for a complete list of items that can be dropped off on the day.

New Bokashi One™ Reseller Branch Joins Stable

Wray Organics Opens in Toowoomba, August, 2012

TOOWOOMBA
Wray Organic (Opens August 2012) 98 Russell Street
TOOWOOMBA      QLD 4350
Phone: 07 4639 1611

Bokashi One™

Photos from the New Sydney Bokashi One Factory install:

Bokashi One™

Work starting on the new Sydney factory.  More info & pics to follow this week coming.

Bokashi Factory - AUS

Where does your Australian Bokashi Stock come from?
It's made from a controlled recipe, and uses all organic products where possible.  We used to make this manually and dry in the sun.  Now we use low powered machinery, boosted by solar hot water heating.

Parramatta Council's Fab New Waste Solution!

Dissappointingly I received a flyer over the last couple of weeks "Have YOUR Say on Waste Collection". Parra City Waste Survey "Take part in our survey and win one of 10 x $200 gift vouchers from Coles Myer, Bunnings, JB Hi FI"  Guys, which company has supported you on this and actually knows the proposed outcomes?

All new services carry a new charge.  So, this flyer, is a softner fo ratepayers and what they can expect to see on their next rates review.

Point1, Getting to the point:  Option 2: Dispose of food waste in the Garden Organics Bin.  Several Sydney councils have gone down this line over the past 5 years.  Penrith, Manly area, Eastern suburbs.  All seem to be missing the point with regards to recycling food waste in an organic and sustainable way.  For example, Penrith council put this in place some 3 years or so ago.  Within weeks, customers had rotting food in bins, in the hot summer, outside there addresses, with flys, smells and stenches to deal with.  The proposed pickups are not regular enough to guarantee a clean and healthy envoronment around the home.

Point 2, where is the waste going?  Nobody ever questions where the waste ends up,  they just wear the councils decision and abide by the new rules.  Unless the food waste is pastuerised immediately via a large commercial facility and turned into a nutrient rich soil conditioner or pellets (fertiliser) then the process is absolutely useless and will just create methane and gaps in landfil that will be disastrous.  My guess (unqualified) is it will be dumped with the rest of our waste.  They don't mention in the survey flyer, where the waste goes, or how it will be treated...

A better way to treat your household families food waste is to treat it with EM or bokashi powder, then compost the treated waste in a responsible way, like: heat treating and producing some form of pellets or fertiliser, or digging back through your garden, completing a close to home organic cycle.

I cannot say for sure, but I guess that most of these previous councils schemes have failed already and been shelved.  This scheme is only benefitting:  the waste contracters and the wholesale suppliers of wheelie bins.  Shame on you councils, for wasting ratepayers money on poorly researched schemes.

To get an idea of how the Japanese Bokashi System should work, check out www.bokashi.com.au .  EM (Effectictive Microorganisms) are naturally occuring and prevent food waste from rotting or putryfying.  Enabling you to re-use you kitchen food waste as a safe and nutrient rich soil conditioner, with no bad smells or bad effects on our fragile environment.

Do you want your smellie rotting food sitting in your compound for up to a week?

Very happy to receive your comments and reply as an exponent on Bokashi use in Australia.

Wheelie bin waste contaminated

Dead dogs, a belt of machinegun bullets, sex toys, marijuana, a hand grenade and a goat - just some of the things Christchurch people put in their yellow wheelie bins.  Read More
From Christchurch Press Newspaper NZ.  www.press.co.nz

LIVING VICTORIA WATER REBATE PROGRAM

r

A SPECIAL $30 rebate is available on the purchase of one or more products with a combined value of $50 or more.  One special basket offer rebate is available per eligible customer between 26 March and 30 June 2012.

*Compost/Mulch Bins Included!!!

Flyer
A3 Poster
Special Offer Basket Rebate Program Info Page



Click the links above for further details. Then purchase direct from www.bokashi.com.au
or one of Bokashi One's VIC Retailers http://bokashi.com.au/reseller.htm 

Future Fest Illawarra - Celebrating World Environment Day 2012!

In recognition of World Environment Day, Kiama Municipal Council will once again celebrate the occasion by staging “Future Fest Illawarra”. Future Fest Illawarra is aimed at providing residents of the region with information on ways to live more sustainably.

Special guest, local award winning restaurateur and chef of The Hungry Duck in Berry, Dave Campbell, will officially open the event with Kiama Municipal Council Mayor Sandra McCarthy.

Dave will also be providing a cooking demonstration showcasing his culinary skills using local and home grown produce. A champion of local and sustainable produce and restaurant practices, Dave has been consistently awarded recognition for his commitment in publications such as the Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide. He continues to work with local farmers to bring a focus to the importance of knowing how food is produced and the process of its journey to the plate.

Organised by Kiama Municipal Council in partnership with Transition Towns Kiama and Regional Development Australia, “Future Fest Illawarra” will also provide an amazing opportunity for green businesses to highlight how their products and services can help householders adapt to a new carbon economy, live more comfortably and reduce their consumption, environmental footprint and their bills.

“Future Fest Illawarra” is aimed at all residents across the Illawarra and will include the following events:

Children’s activities

• Recycled art exhibition
• Native tree giveaways
• Trash ‘n’ Treasure car boot sale - open to all residents in the Illawarra. Only $5 per site to register. To register go to www.kiamapshere.com.au/ttcbs
• Traditional skills workshop – learn how to knit, maintain your tools, make bread, and more...
• Food stalls serving local produce
• Demonstrations throughout the day

Living sustainably used to be a choice people made to feel good about their impact on the natural environment. People across the Illawarra and beyond are now realising that there are many other important reasons:

• To stem the rising costs of living by using energy and resources more efficiently
• To live a little more simply creates opportunities to spend quality time with family, friends and the community
• To nourish a thriving local economy and community by making considered decisions about how and with whom you spend your time and money

“We welcome everyone to come along to the event. Here at Future Fest Illawarra you can discuss, see, hear, touch, taste and experience the best that our region has to offer, to help you take the next steps on your sustainable living journey”.

Entry is by gold coin donation only.

Event Poster

Commercial flower grower using Microbial Inoculant from EM America for their flower production.

City of Redding Green Waste Composting with Effective Microorganisms™

Video from Colombian distributor of Effective Microorganisms™ products. Covers agriculture, construction, and manufacturing uses of EM•1® Microbial Inoculant, developed by Dr. Teruo Higa. Under license from EM Research Organization, Japan.

Effective Microorganisms™ Golf Course Applications PT3

Harding Video Part 2

Brand Flowers brings out two pots of Gerber Daisies. One is grown with Effective Microorganisms in the soil-less mix and the other isn't.

The cleaning of the Seto Inland Sea in Japan

Water And Microbes

Marrickville Council - Household and Chemical Cleanout and e-Waste Day

It's time to CleanOut your household chemical clutter and unused e-Waste items- the right way. These events are scheduled quarterly throughout the year to encourage residents to dispose of unwanted household chemicals and e-Waste that has been stored in garages and sheds for many years, unused and unwanted. This service is provided free of charge.

The events will be held at the Marrickville Council Technical Centre, 15-17 Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters from 9.00-3.30pm on the following dates:

• Saturday 12 May 2012
• Saturday 4 August 2012
• Saturday 10 November 2012

(PLEASE NOTE ENTRY IS VIA BOLTON STREET AND EXIT VIA UNWINS BRIDGE ROAD - LEFT HAND TURN ONLY)

So if you have old paints, gas bottles, fluorescent tubes, batteries, motor oils, household cleaners, computers, TVs, cameras and other electronic waste simply bring them to Marrickville Council's FREE household chemical and e-Waste drop off day. All brands of e-Waste will be accepted including all computer, home office, entertainment equipment and toys. All items will be recycled and diverted from landfill to protect our environment.

This initiative will help ensure safer homes and a cleaner environment, significantly reducing waste and increasing recycling.

Important points to remember:
Please remember to pack unwanted chemicals in secure containers and carefully transport the waste to the drop off point to ensure that the chemicals do not leak or spill.

• Please refrain from leaving chemicals and e-Waste items outside the gate after opening hours as it is dangerous and will be treated as an illegal dumping matter. No materials can be dropped off or accepted at Marrickville Council Technical Centre prior to, or after this date unless advertised.
• If you cannot attend on the above date, please see the 'Chemical Cleanout Flyer' at the bottom of this page for alternative dates and locations. Note however that this is for Household Chemical Cleanout items only, not e-Waste.
• Never mix chemicals as this may produce dangerous reactions.
• Wherever possible keep all chemicals in their original containers.
• Ensure containers are clearly labelled and well sealed. If you do not know what is in the container, label it UNKNOWN CHEMICAL.
• Liquid can leak during transport. Wrap containers holding liquids securely in newspaper and place them into sturdy plastic bags, then pack in plastic buckets or trays.
• Keep household chemicals away from passengers, e.g. in the boot.

By Checking out the Title Link, scroll to the bottom to check previous results of this collection.  Amazing results! 

Please click here for a complete list of items that can be dropped off on the day.

The Live Smart Festival 2012 (Sun 1st April, 10am-2pm @ Mt Annan, Macarthur, NSW)

Great Free Event This Weekend,  & to be honest it really is a short drive from Sydney for the family, or carpool with some friends.

 

Learn about worm farms and compost - Council - News - Mt Druitt Standard

Learn about worm farms and compost - Council - News - Mt Druitt Standard

Shopping around for Bokashi Mix and Bokashi Buckets

Loads of people are buying online these days and why not?

Be careful to ensure you are buying from a reputable distributor or one of their authorised resellers.  When you buy a brand that specialises in a product, you can be sure that you have the support for that item and you have a reseller (or the distributor) to go back to, so that if you should endure; any issues, or need spare parts, they can provide you with immediate or ongoing supportive information (or best practices) 

Bokashi Composting Australia has been operating for 8 years in the Australia market.  They have many resellers in each of Australia’s main centres.  Click on the reseller’s web links to see what other sustainability products they sell.  There is loads of physical retail businesses, Eco & Health Food Shops, Kitchenware Dens, Mitre 10’s and Sustainability Ventures to supply (and resupply) your “Bokashi One” needs (shop locally).  A lot of these resellers are actual shops, so if you don’t like shopping online, you can visit the actual shop to touch and feel what you are buying!

The newly branded “Bokashi One” Bokashi system arrives with full instructions to make you indoor kitchen composting system easy and helps provide you with details to collect nutrient rich compost to condition and enrich your garden soil.  How good does that make you feel?  No Smells, No Insect attraction, just “Natural & Organic Garden Results” and don’t forget the valuable “Bokashi Juice”, that you can “water out” to your plants or grass, or use the “Bokashi Juice”, as a quasi-drain cleaner.

Aldi Australia Stocks Worm Farms This Weekend

From Saturday 3rd March, 2012,  Aldi are Selling Worm Farm Kits for AUD$50.00.  I guess it's just for the week,  so make sure you call your branch for stock,  before you jump in the car and burn some carbons.

Parramatta E-Waste Collection Day

For one day only! Recycle your unwanted electronic waste and make a difference!

When: Saturday, 25th Feb 2012, 9:00am to 3:30pm
Where: Off James Ruse Drive, Rosehill (Next to Rosehill Bowling Club)
Who: Parramatta LGA residents only
Cost: FREE
The following ARE acceptable:

• Monitors & Computers
• Computer Peripherals
• Televisions & Home Entertainment
• Computer Parts
• Kitchen Appliances
• Mobile phones & Cartridges

The following ARE NOT accepted:

• Business Waste
• Cracked Monitors & Televisions
• Batteries
• Whitegoods and Air Conditioners
• Any items considered to pose an OH&S risk or unable to be carried by 2 people.

For more information about The e-waste project, phone 9806 5544.

Leichardt Council Electronic (e-waste) drop-off recycling day

Electronic (e-waste) drop-off recycling day

18 Feb 2012
9.00am - 3.00pm
Cintra Park Carpark, Crane St, Concord.

View map for entry and exit points: Cintra Park car park

Accepted

Computers: hard drives, monitors, keyboards, printers, scanners, faxes and cables.
Home entertainment: TV's, DVD and CD players, sound systems, games and consoles.

Not-accepted

White goods: fridges, freezers, washing machines, dryers and air conditioners. Leichhardt Council has a separate book-in service for whitegoods and metals.
Lighting: fluorescent tubes and halogen lights.
Hazardous waste: smoke detectors, chemicals and broken glass.
For a full list of accepted and non-accepted items visit Computers / TV's - E-waste (electronic wastes)
What else do I need to know?

• The e-Waste 'drop off' day is free to local residents of Leichhardt & Canada Bay Councils (please provide proof of residency)
• Pack your e-Waste securely and drive safely.
• On arrival, follow the traffic controller's instructions and do not alight from your vehicle unless instructed. Staff will unload your vehicle for you.

Try selling your working goods at SecondHandSaturday!

Please support the day by keeping e-Waste out of your garbage bin or general household collection in readiness for this great initiative.

Gladesville Farmers Market - Sydney, Saturday

Finally got to this groups Riverside Organic Farmers Market last Saturday.  It's been some time since we become aware of this market, but the sun came out in Sydney, so off we went.
Well organised, clean and piped music from somewhere in the background.

Didn't specifically go there to buy anything, but walked away with 1L of Certified Greek Olive Oil and a loaf of excellent Banana Bread.  Generous tastings of both were offered before we bought or made a decision and it was only on leaving the site that we raced back and made our purchases.

Also I wanted to mention the very high quality of produce I viewed from a discreet distance at the Uber Goodness stall.  If I was shopping for veges or fruit on that day, then that would have been my stop...

If you are on the North side of Sydney, then this address is just a spit (or throw) from Lane Cove.  Details of this revitalised Farmers Market address are below:

Organic Farmers Market
Gladesville
Riverside Girls High School
Cnr Victoria & Huntleys Point Road
Gladesville, NSW 2111
Saturdays, 9:00am - 1:00pm

Earth Basics FYSHWICK, Canberra

Earth Basics in Fyshwick, Canberra is now stocking Bokashi One Buckets and Mix.  301 Canberra Ave, Phone: 02 6280 4128

Dr Earth, Newtown, Sydney

Bokashi One Buckets & Mix now available @ Dr Earth in Newtown, Sydney: 287-289 King Street Newtown, Sydney, NSW 2042, Phone: 02 9519 3495.

Marrickville Council - Household and Chemical Cleanout and e-Waste Day

It's time to CleanOut your household chemical clutter and unused e-Waste items- the right way. These events are scheduled quarterly throughout the year to encourage residents to dispose of unwanted household chemicals and e-Waste that has been stored in garages and sheds for many years, unused and unwanted. This service is provided free of charge.
The events will be held at the Marrickville Council Technical Centre, 15-17 Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters from 9.00-3.30pm on the following dates:

• Saturday 12 May 2012
• Saturday 4 August 2012
• Saturday 10 November 2012

(PLEASE NOTE ENTRY IS VIA BOLTON STREET AND EXIT VIA UNWINS BRIDGE ROAD - LEFT HAND TURN ONLY)

So if you have old paints, gas bottles, fluorescent tubes, batteries, motor oils, household cleaners, computers, TVs, cameras and other electronic waste simply bring them to Marrickville Council's FREE household chemical and e-Waste drop off day. All brands of e-Waste will be accepted including all computer, home office, entertainment equipment and toys. All items will be recycled and diverted from landfill to protect our environment.

This initiative will help ensure safer homes and a cleaner environment, significantly reducing waste and increasing recycling.

Important points to remember:
Please remember to pack unwanted chemicals in secure containers and carefully transport the waste to the drop off point to ensure that the chemicals do not leak or spill.

• Please refrain from leaving chemicals and e-Waste items outside the gate after opening hours as it is dangerous and will be treated as an illegal dumping matter. No materials can be dropped off or accepted at Marrickville Council Technical Centre prior to, or after this date unless advertised.
• If you cannot attend on the above date, please see the 'Chemical Cleanout Flyer' at the bottom of this page for alternative dates and locations. Note however that this is for Household Chemical Cleanout items only, not e-Waste.
• Never mix chemicals as this may produce dangerous reactions.
• Wherever possible keep all chemicals in their original containers.
• Ensure containers are clearly labelled and well sealed. If you do not know what is in the container, label it UNKNOWN CHEMICAL.
• Liquid can leak during transport. Wrap containers holding liquids securely in newspaper and place them into sturdy plastic bags, then pack in plastic buckets or trays.
• Keep household chemicals away from passengers, e.g. in the boot.

Please click here for a complete list of items that can be dropped off on the day.

City of Sydney E-Waste Drop Off Date (Sunday 3rd June 2012)

Bring your E-waste City of Sydney's Bay Street Depot in Ultimo (corner of Bay and Macarthur Street), between 9am and 3pm. Park in Broadway Shopping Centre and do some Easter Shopping and lessen the footprint on the environment by joining the two trips together.
 
Do you have broken TVs, monitors, computers and mobile phones that you no longer want or need? If you are a City of Sydney resident, you can recycle them for free by dropping them off at our quarterly e-waste recycling days. No booking is required.

2012 Collection dates
- Sunday 3 June
- Sunday 9 September
- Sunday 2 December

What’s the problem with e-waste?

E-waste is electronic waste and can contain hazardous materials such as lead and mercury which can leach into waterways and cause irreparable environmental and human harm when sent to landfill . In Australia, E-waste is growing at three times the rate of ordinary household waste. Australians generate 140,000 tonnes of e-waste each year.

What items can be dropped off?
- All computer parts
- Cameras
- CDs and DVDs and tapes
- Cordless tools (eg drills)
- Desktops
- DVD players
- Electronic components
- Electronic games
- Fax machines
- Floppy disks and CD drives
- Hairdryers
- Household batteries
- Joysticks
- Landline phones
- Laptops
- Lead acid batteries
- Microwaves
- Mobile phones
- Monitors
- Network equipment
- Photocopiers
- Printers
- Projectors
- Scanners
- Servers
- Speakers
- Switching gear
- Televisions
- Vacuum cleaners
- Video recorders

Items not accepted
- Car batteries
- Fluorescent tubes and energy savings light globes
- Hazardous waste, like chemicals, paints and pesticides
- Smoke alarms

Bring along: ID and proof of address.

If you are bringing small or easy-to-carry items, we encourage you to walk, cycle or take public transport to reduce congestion and carbon emissions.

Recycling e-waste is important

Recycling saves energy and precious natural resources like water, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming. Between 95 and 98 per cent of all E-waste collected on the day will be recovered and reused.

To help Australia keep E-waste out of landfill, the City supports a national scheme for managing electronic waste – where producers are responsible for recycling products at the end of their useful life.

At-home goals for the new year

Great Article from Arab Emirates.
"I'm also going to start recycling kitchen waste using Bokashi, the indoor composting system"
Reference Selina Denman, (The National)