Win a Bokashi One Bucket and Mix with Sustainable House Day 2014!

Sustainable House Day 2014 is giving you the opportunity to WIN!! a Bokashi One™ bucket and mix as part of the competition they are running.
For all the details (and to enter) see the Facebook page here

https://www.facebook.com/sustainablehouseday?ref_type=bookmark 

If you don't have Facebook?  No problems, just click on this website link, you can still enter separately from Facebook. http://sustainablehouseday.com/blog/shd-competitions/ 

Household chemical and e-waste drop-off - Marrickville Council

Marrickville Council provides four free drop-off events throughout the year where you can take your e-waste for recycling and dispose of unwanted chemicals safely.

Upcoming events

■Saturday 9 August 2014, 9am–3.30pm
E-waste: Open to ALL residents.
Household chemicals: Open to Marrickville Council residents only.

■Saturday 8 November 2014, 9am–3.30pm
E-waste: Open to ALL residents.
Household chemicals: Open to ALL residents.

Location: Marrickville Council Works Depot, 15-17 Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters

Entry is via Bolton Street and exit via Unwins Bridge Road as it is a left-hand turn only.

Do not leave chemicals and e-waste items outside the gate after opening hours – this is dangerous and will be treated as an illegal dumping matter. No materials can be dropped off or accepted at Marrickville Council Works Depot prior to or after the event.

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 items only and not e-waste items.
For other drop off points for televisions and computers visit http://recyclingnearyou.com.au/computers/MarrickvilleNSW.

Council would like to thank Techcollect who are covering the recycling costs of televisions and computers collected at our next event on Saturday 8 February 2014 under the national product stewardship scheme.

Household chemicals we accept

 Solvents and household cleaners
 Household batteries
 Fluorescent globes and tubes
 Smoke detectors
 Painting and paint-related products
 Pesticides and herbicides
 Poisons
 Gas bottles
 Fire extinguishers
 Pool chemicals
 Hobby chemicals
 Acids and alkalis
 Car batteries
 Motor oils, fuels and fluids

E-waste we accept
 Computers and accessories
 TVs and monitors
 Videos, CDs, DVDs and floppy disks
 Printers, scanners, copiers, fax machines
 Telephones – mobile and landline
 Power tools, including cordless drills etc
 Entertainment appliances
 Household appliances e.g. vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, microwaves
 Cameras and recorders
 Electronic games e.g. consoles, joysticks

What we do NOT accept

 Air conditioners
 Freezers and fridges
 Cardboard boxes and packaging
 Empty paint containers

All brands are accepted. Bring along your electronic item from the home office, entertainment area, kitchen and shed. We also accept electronic toys and gadgets.

Important tips to transport chemicals safely
 Never mix chemicals as this may produce dangerous reactions
 Please remember to pack unwanted chemicals in secure containers to ensure that the chemicals do not leak or spill
 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
http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/Global/Environment/Recycling%20and%20waste/HCCFlyer.pdf

Link to Council Website Details about This Event http://www.marrickville.nsw.gov.au/en/environment/recycling-and-waste/household-chemical-and-e-waste-drop-off/

 

Can I put my Breakfast Muesli in the Bokashi Bucket?

www.bokashi.com.au  Absolutely you can put your breakfast cereal leftovers in the Bokashi bucket.
 

Compost Toilets

Did you know?  The same Bokashi One™ mix you use in your Bokashi One™ bucket is also (can also be used) used across the country in Long Drops/National Park Remote Toilets to treat the decomposition of human faeces.  Amazing! 

Spare Parts or Instructions Holding You Up?

Don't let a split lid, missing grate or blocked tap stop you from proceeding with your Bokashi One™ system working!  Contact your local reseller or, message Bokashi One™ direct for parts info and system tips across Australia. 

 

Call the Bokashi Hotline on 1300 902 880 Monday - Friday and Bokashi One™ will post you a full set of instructions/tips/FAQ's free of charge.  Or email info@bokashi.com.au with a request for instructions.

 

Bokashi Bucket Tips & Comments - April '14

In no Particular Order:

1. Don't keep your bucket in direct sunlight or on a Hot Balcony/Porch.  (high temperatures will kill the microbial activity)
2. If the pickled waste smells bad?  Then that may not mean the system has failed, it could be for a number of reasons.  Discard, or bury the waste, wash out bucket and start again with the provided instructions, and use a fresh bag of Bokashi mix.  For instructions that meet Australian conditions, feel free to request a complimentary booklet via info@bokashi.com.au including your *Australian Postal Address.
3. Drain off the Bokashi juice regularly.  If you don't believe you can water it out regularly (Watering Can/Veges/Ornamental's), then you can always use it as a Natural Drain Cleaner around the house pipes.  The Juice is alive with not only microbial activity, but also the nutrients and proteins of the food waste you have been collecting.  As time goes by, the life of these benefits decreases.  You cannot save this juice beyond a few days and expect it to be beneficial.
4. The taps provided with the bucket pictured in this blog are maintainable. If they are blocked, then try and use the tip of a bamboo skewer to clear the blockage.  Alternatively,  they can be disassembled and reassembled.  We recommend you disassemble/re-assemble each year as a service, washing each part and checking for wear.  Replacement taps are available for a small cost in Australia in various colours. Request Parts at your Local Australian Stockist, or request a price from Manufacturer Direct.  Tap Maintenance Video

I hope you find this tip's useful.  I you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact the writer via this Blogspace.

Bokashi Basics - Smale scale composting for small spaces (PRODUCT REVIEW)

A Bokashi bucket is a small-scale kitchen 'composting' bucket that works on the principle of fermentation.  It's a really easy and efficient form of composting if you haven't got lots of space.
The air-tight bucket can fit almost anywhere and can handle almost all your kitchen waste - raw and cooked food, meat, dairy, citrus and onions. The only thing it can't take is big bones and lots of liquid.
Your kitchen scraps, with the addition of the bokashi bran, quickly ferment resulting in miracle juice and 'bucket stuff'  thanks to bokashi teaming population of benefitial bacterial and micro-organisms. The juice is a fantastic liquid fertilizer for your garden and great addition to drains and waterways and the fermented wastequickly breaks down in the soil and is even better as a compost accelerater.
With compost, worm farm and chooks I didn't think I needed another pet but the bokashi bucket has been a really great addition to the family!
Thanks to BokashiOne for giving me one to try out.  There are lots of brands available that all work in a similar way. You can also make your own.
Bokashi is a new way of composting. Keep trying it out until you get the hang of it.

Full Article and Website: Bokashi Basics - Small scale composting for small spaces

Report Taken from GIY (green it yourself) http://greenityourself.com.au/ 

Bokashi Tip (after Holidays To Do)

Are you just getting back to work?  Don't forget to drain your Bokashi Bucket Juice and either use, or dis'  (down the drain). 

Next, bury your current bucket waste,  and start again.  It's very important you keep this system going.  It does wonders for your garden and change pongy rotting food waste out of the pointless landfill cycle and into a useful garden compost medium. 

Lastly: don't forget to make sure you order new Bokashi One mix stock & keep your system going!
http://www.bokashi.com.au/retail-outlets/
 

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...