First Time Offered in Australia - 30L Stainless Steel Bokashi Composters!

Happy 14 to all followers:

These are the best units I have seen in almost 10 years of being involved with Bokashi Composting practices.  Available from tomorrow (1.1.14) via the www.bokashi.com.au supply chain.  But you will have to email (or call the BCA office on Thursday/Friday 1300 902 880) to purchase until the purchase option becomes live on the website TBC. 

Specifications/Features

• 30L Capacity (largest domestic kitchen only capacity manufactured on market)
• Dimensions, 30L(7.5 Gallon), Inner Dia 34cm, Overall Height 43cm, Weight 4.96kg
• Rubber seal ring in the lid and 3 strap locks (completely airtight/anaerobic environment)
• Pet, Rodent and Pest impenetrable
• Long-lasting and Durable (ready for the all Australian weather elements)
• Easy to clean for the next run of compost 

Buy Price $149.00 incl GST (excl Freight)

 

Pre-tested by me for the last 6 weeks, you will not be disappointed.  Can I say these are not intended to replace the current plastic buckets on offer (which are almost half the buy price), Moreover, It's a welcome new addition to the Bokashi One product range and a premium offering for both Bokashi fanatics and those new to Bokashi Kitchen Composting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Price published does not include Bokashi One™ Mix) (Wholesale enquires welcome for retailers)

Illawarra Future Festival and Sustainable Living Expo

Date: Sunday 20 October 2013
Time: 10am - 3pm

At Kiama Showground Pavilion, 2 Bong Bong Street, Kiama

In recognition of World Environment Day, Kiama Municipal Council will be holding the Illawarra Future Festival and Sustainable Living Expo at The Pavilion in Kiama on Sunday 20 October 2013 between 10am - 3pm. The Illawarra Future Festival and Sustainable Living Expo aims to provide residents with information on ways to live more sustainably.

Taking place for the first time in 2012, the Expo attracted 40 exhibitors including local Illawarra businesses who displayed their sustainable products and services, as well as a vast array of non-for-profit organisations who provided information on their programs.
For more information including registering as an exhibitor contact Kiama Council Customer Services on 4232 0444 or visit www.kiama.nsw.gov.au

Who Will be Speaking at Illawarra Future Festival and Sustainable Living Expo

Dalvinder Dhami, former Master Chef from 2012 is our Event Ambassador, will be doing cooking demonstrations using fresh home grown produce at 11.30am.

The Smart Living Expo will be showcasing a number od sustainable business, products and services, including water efficiency,energy efficiency, cleaning products  and produce, and there will be plenty of things for the kids to do while Mum and Dad look around, with face painting, seed planting and story reading activities.

The Dog agility show is back with demonstrations at 11am and 1pm by the Wollongong Dog Sports Club, and there is a speaking program of local identities to inspire you to action.

For our Speakers Forum we have secured local identities, including;

1. John Gabriele , from ABC Illawarra Radio "Compost Heap" program to talk about backyard veggie gardens.

2. Michael Fox , a local biodiversity expert, speciailsing in frogs, will be speaking on the importance of frogs in the urban environment, with a few special tadpole and frog guests.

3. Tass  Schmidt, from Jamberoo Valley Farm  will be talking about producing and accessing local, sustainably grown produce.

4. Edwin Humphries from Transition Towns Kiama  and UOW Research Assisitant for the School Atmospheric Chemistry will be talking about the latest Climate Science updates in the 5th Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report.

There are lucky door prizes to be won kindly donated by Bunnings and the Illawarra Medical Local Project, and plenty of information, ratepayer plant giveaway, and show bags so we hope to see you there.

Poster

 

Been Away?

Drain off excess juices and bury your waste.

Kogarah City Council (NSW) Sells Bokashi Buckets

This Saturday 19/10/13, Kogarah City Council will be selling Bokashi One Buckets and Bokashi One Mix at the Council stands @ Oatley Village Festival.  See you there!

 

Bokashi Powder Prices (Quick Comparison/Australia)

In Australia:

Maze/Bunning's: 5L (or 1.25kg)(RRP$16.98)

 

 

Bokashi One: 4L (or 1.0kg) (RRP$9.90)

AUD$9.90?
I know which one I think offers better value...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Randwick City Council Eco-living Fair 2013 - PICs

Bokashi One Stand

Pedal Power

Interactive Recycling Performance

More Pedalling

Found this sign pointing to a rubbish bin?

Recycle Organic Waste

Great Excerpt from this Councils webpage

Bokashi Buckets

The Bokashi Bucket is another great option for small urban spaces. The Bokashi Bucket ferments layers of chopped kitchen waste overlain with Bokashi mix, a Japanese discovery made up of grains or saw dust with Effective Micro-organisms (EM) to speed up the fermentation process. The bucket is sealed air tight, so there’s no access for bugs or vermin, allowing your meat scraps to be included also! There’s also no worms to care for, so onions and citrus are back on the composting menu.

 

Even better, the air tight seal means no nasties can get in or out of your Bokashi Bucket, thus no smells (or very little smell, mostly just the nice earthy smell of the Bokashi mix). This means you can even keep your Bokashi Bucket in the kitchen cupboard!

 

Where to get it. Bokashi Buckets are available at most hardware stores, and some nurseries. The buckets are most often made of recycled plastic, with a grate at the bottom to allow the juice to collect beneath your scraps, and a tap to release the juice.

 

How it works. Collect your daily organic scraps in a recycled plastic container on the kitchen bench and add them to your Bokashi Bucket in layers. As you add layers, squash the scraps into the bucket with a potato masher and sprinkle on the Bokashi mix to cover lightly. Your bucket will yield lovely ‘bokashi juice’ every few days depending on how much you feed it. Dilute the juice 1:100 for use on the garden or use straight down sinks or toilets to clean drains. Once your bucket is full, bury the fermented organics 20-25cm below the surface of the soil and it will become lovely compost.

 

No digging space? Bury in a friend’s garden, their soil will love it!

 

The Bokashi Bucket is also a great option for Fly In Fly Out workers or those away from home quite often. With the bucket’s air tight seal in tact you can leave it for several weeks without worrying your compost will go rancid.

 

_____________________________________________________

Poster: Just a sub note comment, Some sensitive plants,  you may

want to dilute Bokashi juice in your watering can out to 200:1

(Water/Bokashi Juice).

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Marrickville Council Household chemical and e-waste drop off day

Household chemical and e-waste drop off days

 
Download the poster to promote this event around your neighbourhood or unit block!

It's time to clean out 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 9am – 3.30pm on the following dates:

• Saturday 9 November 2013

Please Note: Entry is via Bolton Street and exit via Unwins Bridge Road as a left hand turn only.

Old paints, gas bottles, fluorescent tubes, batteries, motor oils, household cleaners, computers, TVs, cameras and other electronic waste will be collected at 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 one of the above dates, please visit the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage website for other dates and locations around Sydney. Please note, however, that these events are for Household Chemical Cleanout items only and not e-waste items.
• 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.

Click the link below to view a complete list of items that we will accept:

• Complete list of items that can be dropped off on the day (PDF)

Let's work together in helping to achieve Minimum Waste, Maximum Recovery.

EcoXpo Sustainable Eco Living - 20-22 September SYDNEY

- Thousands of amazing sustainable products and services all under one roof!
- See numerous eco living live presentations by eco-icons and celebrities, engage exhibitors and visitors alike
Friday 20 to Sunday 22 September 2013, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse Sydney

EcoXpo is THE all-inclusive forum of sustainable companies and their customers interested in eco living. EcoXpo creates success and flourishing for our eco friendly companies and customers living green. EcoXpo is a gathering of hearts, minds and soul, embodied by a group of like-minded companies who display and sell their sustainable wares to discerning eco-conscious consumers.

Each company represented at the EcoXpo is a proud owner or user of an organic, natural and/or sustainable brand. Maximum exposure of these green brands is necessary for success, and EcoXpo is the ideal platform for these brands sharing a common sustainable value to showcase the best in each industry.

EcoXpo is a unique experience, a fun and learning event, suitable for the whole family. Exhibitors participating adhere to certified organic, sustainable and good environmental practice and must act in accordance for entrance, to ensure they are genuine participators.

Are you interested in eco living? If you would like to live in a sustainable house and discover the latest eco friendly products and services, then EcoXpo is for you!

Footprints Eco Festival 2013

As  a visitor, I would confirm a great day had by all, last Sunday, in Sydney's Whites Creek Valley Parklands, The sun shone through and it was well delivered,  thanks to all the organisers and contributors.

Future Fest Illawarra - Celebrating World Environment Day 2013!

From the success of last year’s event, Kiama Council will once again hold the “Future Fest Illawarra” at The Pavilion, Kiama on

Sunday 20 October 2013 from 10am – 3pm

“Future Fest Illawarra” is in celebration of World Environment Day and this annual event will include the Smart Living Expo which offers an amazing opportunity for green businesses to highlight how their products and services can help householders adapt to a more sustainable lifestyle.
“Future Fest Illawarra” is an initiative of Kiama Municipal Council.  This regional event will also include a comprehensive activities program including workshops, talks, seminars and demonstrations.  In addition, a celebrity ambassador will be engaged to assist with the promotion of this event to enable us to capture a wider audience.
Registrations are now open!
At only $100.00  per exhibitor (business) space (2m x 2m) this is a great opportunity for you to showcase your products and services.  To register, please visit kiamasphere.com.au/futurefestillawarra and complete the form online.  Registrations close Friday, 4 October 2013.
We would like your business/organisation to be involved in some way, so please do not hesitate to call the Smart Living Expo co-ordinator, Byron Robinson on 4232 0436 or if you have any questions about the Expo.

Randwick City Council Eco-living Fair 2013

Celebrating all things green and sustainable

The festival will be held on Sunday 15 September 2013 from 10:30am to 3:30pm.

It is held at The Randwick Community Centre located at 27 Munda Street, Randwick.

Event Overview

The Randwick City Council Eco-living Fair is a free annual event that provides the perfect opportunity for the community to come together to learn about the benefits of living a sustainable lifestyle.

This year we celebrate the ninth Eco-living Fair and it is fair to say it is now firmly established as the premiere green event of the east. Held in the unique setting of the Randwick Community Centre, surrounded by the Randwick Environment Park, the Eco-living Fair has something for the whole family to enjoy with advice and information on offer from local community groups and green industry experts, delicious healthy food, free entertainment and kids activities and a variety of market stalls selling quality wares.

Many local partner organisations attend to provide information and conduct formal and informal talks and workshops based on the environmental issues that affect our community in their homes, at school and in the workplace.

This year for the first time we will offer some fresh produce stalls - so bring your market basket or shopping bags along and stock up on fruit, nuts, bread, oils and veggies.

Aims and Objectives

We hope that people come to the Eco-living Fair wanting to find out more about how to live sustainably and how to reduce their ecological footprint particularly energy and water consumption.  Our aim is that every person leaves having learnt something about the environment.

Our event is powered by renewable forms of energy including wind, solar and bio diesel and we are giving away over 3000 trees to our visitors to help offset the carbon used in the event's infrastructure delivery and operation. Food and food scraps will be collected and will provide breakfast, lunch and dinner for our worms in our huge worm farm. We are also running a book exchange - bring along an old book and swap it for one you haven't read yet. We encourage sustainable transport and offer a free shuttle bus service and bike valet - so hop on a bus or hop on a bike and get dropped off right at the door.

Take a look at the highlights from last year's Eco-Living Fair.


Note: Above information is taken the public & published website about the The City of Randwick's upcoming 2013 event.  We have contributed/blogged to/on this event on 2 previous years, a worthwhile event to attend!  Bring the Family!

"Bokashi Composting Australia" will have a stall at this event in 2013 to answer any questions about Bokashi Composting.  Product also available on the day to purchase.

Leichardt Council's Footprints EcoFestival

Leichhardt Council's annual event with eco-friendly workshops, wetland tours, delicious food and entertainment!

When:          25 Aug 2013

What time: 11:00 AM  - 3:00 PM 

Where:        Whites Creek Valley Park, Piper Street, Annandale, NSW, Australia 

More information: The annual Footprints EcoFestival is on again this year. To keep up to date with this events and more

Read more about Footprints EcoFestival here

 

Where can you buy Bokashi Buckets and Bokashi Mix around Australia?

Loads of places,
see this link for your nearest State, Territory or City Centre.

 

Hothouse Tomatoes

Of course at this time of the year there is no outdoor tomatoes as such coming through the markets for mainstream supply.  At best you can buy QLD vine ripened lines,  which tend to arrive at the supermarket in ready to eat condition,  but then,  you pay a price.

So what do we have for $6.98/ per kilo at this time of year?  Hothouse grown tomatoes.  Twice this week I have shopped for tomatoes.  They are starting to get pricey at $6.98,  but they van easily get to $12.00 over the next 6-10 weeks,  and especially if there is any areas affected by frost or rain,  they will definitely reach $12.00.  (if there is no issues,  then you can expect to pay $6.99 - 7.50 max through the next period until the outdoors come online)

OK,  enough ranting.  As I look at this tomato on the kitchen bench,  I give this tip to all the people this week that have whinged to me about tomatoes being hard, or even green.  Buy a bag, or even 1 or 2,  and don't put them in the fridge,  leave them out on the bench in a warm place for up to five days to control ripen to how you like them.  I have had one on the bench for 3 days,  and hope to be able to use it tomorrow for sandwiches.  Have a great Sunday!

Bokashi Workshop 24 August 2013 - Sutherland Shire Council

When: Start: 8:30AM, 24 Aug 2013 Finish: 12:30PM, 24 Aug 2013

Where: Council Nursery 345 The Boulevarde, Gymea

Cost:FREE

 

*Bookings are essential and are now open. Only open to Shire residents.

Workshop Details

This fun, informative, hands-on practical workshop teaches you how to hold food waste in an airtight 'bokashi bucket,' to transform it into nutrient rich soil conditioner. An ideal composter for people with limited space.

Bokashi in detail

The Bokashi composting bucket transforms kitchen waste into a nutrient rich soil conditioner.

• The Bokashi bucket is a medium sized storage container that stores your kitchen scraps such as vegetable/fruit peelings, meat and more.
• The organic material once placed inside the airtight bucket helps break down your kitchen scraps for several weeks and without the odour of traditional composting.
• The contents can be dug straight into your pot plants or into your garden to improve the soil.
• The Bokashi mix can be used to enhance your existing composting system too. The Bokashi mix increases decomposition by approximately 66%.

Booking Details

Book online here or call  the Waste Education Officer on  02 9710 5782.

Office Tearooms & Canteens

Invest in a Bokashi Bucket for your Office Tearoom or Canteen to help save wasted food going into landfill.  You'll be doing the company profile; and world, a favour.  Where I have seen these implementations before,  they have been very successful.

Generally, you appoint a "monitor" to manage the sprinkling of the grains daily and distribution of the finished waste.  In some occasions, we have heard of much like with the gardening staff for the treasured Bokashi Juice that is collected.

You may be surprised to learn in your organisation that many SME's have a budget for sustainability already and are more than happy to agree & implement this system to canteens.  It saves on waste, and provides benefits for the work site (or workers home gardens)  Message me if you would like further consultation.

To read more about the benefits, both at work and at home, see the leading Australian Distributor (and their reseller details) @ www.bokashi.com.au

If you have a large building with multiple satellite kitchens, then I am more than happy to broker a wholesale purchase price for you with "Bokashi One".