This year, International Compost Awareness Week runs from 2–8 May with the theme ‘Better Soil, Better Life, Better Future’.
The week aims to improve awareness on the importance of the role of compost as a valuable resource and to promote compost use, knowledge and products.
To celebrate, Ballina Shire Council has partnered with North East Waste, Ballina Community Garden and The Story Tree to curate a wonderful morning of free activities for all ages on Sunday 2 May from 9.30am to midday.
The morning will be held at the abundant Ballina Community Garden on the corner of Swift and Clarence Streets in Ballina. It will feature engaging compost workshops that welcome questions and the sharing of ideas. Families will also be able to make their own plastic-free beeswax wraps and listen to award-winning storyteller Jenni Cargill-Strong.
7,358 tonnes composted locally in a year
At the launch, council revealed 7,358 tonnes of organic waste has been composted through the kerbside organics bin collection service over the past 12 months.
Samala Heart, Council’s Waste Education Officer, said ‘We’re really pleased with this result as it contributes to a circular economy where food scraps and garden waste are composted into a soil improver, which is then used to support the growing of more food and plants.
‘The cycle has the capacity to continue perpetually,’ she explained.
Complementing kerbside organics bins, many residents also home compost to support their gardens or to manage their waste more sustainably. Shockingly, the greenhouse gases produced by food waste in Australian landfills each year is equivalent to the emissions from Australia’s steel and iron ore industries combined.
‘Food and garden waste still makes up 39% of our urban kerbside landfill bins and a whopping 47% of rural landfill bins,’ said Ms Heart.
‘Council’s aim is to provide accessible and engaging programs to reduce these figures. By empowering and inspiring residents to practice more sustainable habits, we can benefit our community now and into the future.’
She says composting is simple, fun, reduces carbon pollution by avoiding landfilling organic material and helps build healthier soils. What’s not to celebrate?
The key message is that no matter your skill level, all are welcome to come along and participate in a fun morning. All Compost Week activities are free, but as part of Council’a COVID Safe procedures, please register your proposed attendance time for the compost workshop here.
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