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“A real gardener is not a man who cultivates flowers; he is a man who cultivates the soil.” Karel Capete

COMPOSTING AS A STARTING POINT FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Though not one of us may be guilty, we are all responsible. We should, as a nation, as a city, as a community and even, as individuals, strive towards adopting more sustainable lifestyles – and we can start, believe it or not, by composting!

WHY COMPOST:

•  restores the balance and condition of depleted soils
•  It returns micro-nutrients and micro-organisms back into the soil –which increases the vitality of plants.
•  Composting improves drainage in clay soils
•  While improving water retention in sandy soils
•  It also improves aeration in the soil, which promotes healthy root development
•  It returns vital colloidal humus to the soil, balancing the molecular structure of the soil, to prevent erosion

Well-conditioned soil means healthier plants and in turn healthy plants mean stronger immune systems, making plants less prone to disease, as well as increased yields.

While composting alone, may never get to replace our current Commercial agricultural practices, it would go a long way towards alleviating the effects the chemicals have on our environment and soil vitality.

And with regard to landfills, while composting a city's organic waste may not eliminate landfills entirely, it would certainly limit the environmental impacts caused by it's inclusion in landfills, while becoming a sustainable resource for soil conditioning at the same time.

Also, by excluding organic waste from our weekly refuse, would offer more dignified opportunities for the informal sector to further recycle the remaining, dry waste so should be the 1 st step towards the introduction of an integrated recycling program.

Then lastly, considering our reliance on fossil fuels, even without the threat of an increasing oil prices, composting a city's organic waste, would create opportunities for “LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION” that could create a future economy for local communities, while providing a measure of self-reliance and food security for poverty-stricken areas.

If we consider that soil vitality is the foundation of our existence as an agricultural society, then it is of utmost importance, to reinforce that foundation with strong, sustainable soil conditioning practices.

Single Wooden Unit

Choose a square site for your compost bin. Use a sledgehammer to pound the four posts into the ground 1 metre apart, at the corners of the square. Nail slats of wood to the posts, leaving two inches between boards.

One side can be left open to allow for any easy access if you wish. A second unit would allow the compost to mature in one box while you add materials to the first box.

Wooden Pallet Unit

One easy way to build a simple and effective compost bin is to use four wooden shipping pallets and tie them together. Many retail outlets will allow you to reclaim the discarded pallets for use at home. After placing the four pallets upright to form your square bin, tie the four corners with rope, wire or chain. You can sew a fifth as a floor inside your bin to increase airflow and stability.

Compost Pile

No construction necessary. Find a sheltered spot in your backyard to begin your pile. That's it! Just keep in mind that items such as paper towels and napkins can blow around without a containment unit. This method requires turning every 4 – 6 weeks if earthworms have not been added.

Snow Fence Bin

Wood or plastic 'snow fence' (or chicken wire) can be used to make a composter that is cheap and very easy to set up. If you want to turn the pile, you can remove the fence, set it up beside the first pile, and turn the compost into the newly set up bin. Simply make a circle out of the fence and tie it with metal wire to a couple of posts.

Cement Block Bin

Cement blocks or bricks may be used to build a composter. It is easy to set up and can be constructed with two sections to facilitate the turning of the pile from one section to the next. We do not recommend this as cement is not very environmetally friendly.

Drum/Can/Barrel

A plastic or metal drum may be used as a composter. It requires very little space in your backyard and is cheap and easy to set up.

Remove the bottom of the can and puncture holes throughout. You may want to raise the can off the ground for additional ventilation.

Rotating Barrel Composter

If your composting operation is small and you neither relish nor have the time for turning materials, then you'll find this composter suited to your needs. The barrel is rotated several times whenever new materials are added. It is constructed with a minimum of hand-powered tools and is not difficult or time-consuming to build.

 

Windrow Composing (Dome Aertion Technology) DAT

Extensive tests show that Windrows do NOT require turning as the air flow is passed through the compost. With an efficient windrow system organic particles can be turned into usable compost within 3 months. No turning or worms are required, but both will speed up the process.

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