Bokashi Composting in Australia

City of Sydney E-Waste Drop Off Date (Sunday 4th March 2012)

2012-01-25T21:06:00.000+11:00

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 4 March
- 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

2012-01-25T20:26:00.000+11:00

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)

gulfnews : Resident uses leftover food to make her garden bloom

2011-10-25T18:20:00.001+11:00

gulfnews : Resident uses leftover food to make her garden bloom

Seasoning your compost

2011-10-25T18:16:00.000+11:00

Seasoning your compost

City of Sydney E-Waste Drop Off Date

2011-10-20T20:32:00.001+11:00

•Sunday 4 December

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 Christmas Shopping and lessen the footprint on the environment by joining the two trips together.

Bokashi Composting Australia @ Sydneys Better Homes & Gardens Live (Stand G23)

2011-09-20T20:54:00.000+10:00

Bokashi Composting Australia will have their Kitchen Composting System On-Show & For Sale at Special Prices at this weekends Sydney Showground/Sydney Olympic Park event. 23-25 September , 2011. Stand G23

Footprints Eco Festival

2011-08-30T17:36:00.000+10:00

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

What does the Bokashi Bucket mean to your household?

2011-08-19T20:28:00.000+10:00

Now that you have your kitchen composting system, can you share some good feedback to encourage other adopters?

Leichhardt Council Sells Bokashi Buckets

2011-05-30T18:27:00.000+10:00

How can I get a Compost bin, Wormfarm or Bokashi Bucket?

Bokashi Buckets and Bokashi mix can be bought and collected at Council’s Citizen Service Centre or you can download an Order Form below and forward it with payment by cheque to the Citizen Service Centre and your Bokashi Bucket will be delivered.

Willoughby Council Sells Bokashi Buckets

2011-05-30T18:00:00.001+10:00

Willoughby Council sells Bokashi Buckets (plus starter mix) to residents. Bokashi Buckets cost $64 (includes one bag of starter mix). Bokashi Buckets can be picked up from the Help and Service Centre on level 4, 31 Victor Street, Chatswood.

You can either pay over the counter at the Help and Service Centre by cheque, cash or credit card, or post a cheque to Willoughby City Council, P.O. Box 57, Chatswood, NSW 2057, with a note saying what it’s for and with an address for delivery. To find out more, call 9777 1000. (Please note that all credit card transactions incur a 1% fee.)

Parramatta E-Waste Collection Day

2011-05-28T19:43:00.001+10:00

Where

Off James Ruse Drive, Rosehill (Next to Rosehill Bowling Club)

When
4th Jun 2011 9:00am-2:00pm

The E-waste Project aims to assist residents in the disposal of e-waste that is safe and environmentally responsible, it ensures maximum waste is diverted from landfill and precious resources are recovered. By 2020, it is predicted that an approx. 700 million items of e-waste will be disposed as per Office of Environment and Heritage. Without a proper e-waste scheme, these items will end up in landfill.

The following are acceptable..

Monitors and Computers
Computer Peripherals
Televisions & Home Entertainment
Computer Parts
Kitchen Appliances
Mobile Phones & Cartriges

NOT Accepted:

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

Download Flyer

e-Waste Drop Off Day - Marrickville Council

2011-04-16T11:22:00.000+10:00

Marrickville Council Depot (PLEASE NOTE ENTRY IS VIA BOLTON ST AND EXIT VIA UNWINS BRIDGE ROAD - LEFT HAND TURN ONLY)

If you have electronic equipment at the end of its life ie computers and accessories, TVs, DVD's bring them to Leichhardt and Marrickville Council's 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.
Download the flyer for details (Poster)

You still have time to make it today.
Saturday 16th April, 2011, 9.00am - 3.30pm

The Future of Food - Channel SBS One, Tonight

2011-02-08T20:29:00.000+11:00

The Future of Food

8:30pm - 9:30pm

Classified: G Genre: Documentary

Are we facing a global food crisis? We take our food for granted. Supermarket shelves groan with an incredible variety of produce, but in 2008 as food riots swept the world, we saw that the international food system is not as stable as it looks. Is this just the beginning of a new era of food? Travelling to different parts of the globe, this two-part documentary unravels the complicated web of links that binds the world together and asks what needs to happen to avert a major global food crisis.

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

2011-01-28T15:42:00.000+11:00

Saturday 5 February, 9am - 3.30pm

Marrickville residents can clear their homes of potentially dangerous or unwanted chemicals and e-waste.

Old paints, gas bottles, fluorescent tubes, batteries, motor oils, household cleaners, computers, TVs, cameras and other electronic waste will be collected at the free drop off day.

The Household Chemical Cleanout is a joint initiative of Marrickville Council and the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.

Location: Marrickville Council Works Depot, entry via Bolton Street

If you cannot wait for this event, you can always ring & drop your e-waste and various home and commercial recyclables (conditions) off at {Reverse Garbage} @ The Addison Road Community Centre in Marrickville.

Bokashi The Movie

2011-01-28T15:02:00.000+11:00

Trailer. Looking real good Bruce.

Inner West Sydney Organics

2011-01-26T13:45:00.002+11:00

I was out on a coffee run this morning with the little one and come a cross two new Organics stores. in Newtown and Petersham.

7 star supermarket
http://www.7starsupermarket.com.au/
408 King Street, Newtown, Ph 02 9565 5521
info@7starsupermarket.com.au

Ok, well it might not be that new, but it is the first time I have come across it. They have another address in Darlo, see the homepage for details. Big range, bit like a Macro or About Life. They were open early, even on Australia Day! There is a blog, but it's not been updated for months. Hopefully the guys will get some time to let us know about new products in early 2011.

ubergoodness (UBG)
http://www.ubergoodness.com.au/
31 Gordon Street, Petersham, NSW 2049

Never heard of them before driving past the hidden Petersham doorfront this week. A specials board was being hung outside by what I can only presume is the co-owner of Uber Goodness: Stephen Although I have not entered the shop yet, I spent some time today navigating the website and found they have what looks to be an excellent online shopping service (incl fresh produce) @ http://www.ubergoodness.com.au/.

According to the website, you can even order online and pick up from the Organic Farmers Market @ Addison Rd Community Centre on Sundays 8.30am - 1.00pm. I am certainly adding it to my online shopping favs and will let you know the experience. Well done on the excellent website guys!

Give them both a go, let me know what you think?

Bokashi Juice

2011-01-15T15:21:00.000+11:00

Once you've drained the Bokashi Juice then it should be used straight away.

Bokashi Bucket Explained in Simple Terms

2011-01-07T17:32:00.002+11:00

This easy kitchen composting system directs food waste organics away from landfill whilst conditioning your soil on a microbial level. Absolutely any food can go into the ‘Bokashi One’ Bokashi Bucket’ including meat, dairy, citrus peel & onion.

The blend of micro-organism in the ‘Bokashi One’ Bokashi mix ferments the waste in anaerobic conditions, so there is no rotten food smells associated with decay and decomposition.

It’s so easy to use! Simply place your food scraps into the air tight bucket, sprinkle on some Bokashi mix and place the lid back on. Repeat this process until the Bokashi One Bucket is full. So convenient… no need to run outside to compost bin each day.

When the Bokashi One Bucket is full, the waste should then be buried directly into your garden. The microbes ensure a rapid breakdown. Bokashi waste can also be added to a traditional compost bin or worm farm.

The benefit to the soil is enormous. Not only does the soil get all the nutrients from the collected food scraps but you also add life to the soil in the form of millions of micro-organism contained in the Bokashi One Mix. Because the waste breaks down under the soil there is no release of harmful greenhouse gases.

The benefits don’t stop there – As your food waste ferments, liquid drains to a separate section at the bottom of the bucket. Drain the “Bokashi Juice” and dilute with water for a wonderful fertilizer, or as a natural drain cleaner. The beneficial microbes will compete with harmful bacteria, which helps reduce algae build up so it’s great for our waterways. Bokashi Juice is full of nutrients and is alive with micro-organisms.

What if you have very limited or no garden? You can still use the system. Its odorless and compact design makes it ideal for collecting waste in small homes. Disposing of the waste may require additional effort and some lateral thinking, perhaps gifting it to a friend or family member, or community garden. Even when full the Bokashi Bucket is easy to move around, the waste can be added to a compost bin or worm farm. Full instructions are provided with each Bokashi One Bucket.

Making the Switch... to a Sustainable Living

2011-01-04T09:57:00.000+11:00

On TV Tonight and then again on Friday lunchtime and Monday afternoon. Click the title to be taken to the program grid and times. NSW, Australia, Digital Channel 44 (TVS)

Bokashi Bucket in the Heatwave Cities

2011-01-02T18:48:00.000+11:00

Certainly in normal conditions, then a warm day will not affect the microbial actions that are quietly taking place in your 'Green Frog' Bokashi Bucket.

But there is a small chance (hence this post), in the receptical that the live and working micro-organisms may face an early death if the temperature gets hot enough. In this case, then the fermentation process will likely stop and no longer be actively working.

Keep your bucket's out of direct sunlight during these long hot summer days to make the most out of this fantastic system.

If you are in any doubt, then do the following:

Drain away the Bokashi Juice. Bokashi Juice will form in the bottom of the bucket. This should be drained off as it builds up. Bokashi Juice can be diluted with water and makes a terrific fertiliser for garden or pot plants. It can be poured down drains and it is safe to use in septic tanks. When used in drains it will help to clean up our water ways by competing with harmful bacteria.
Bury the current waste
Clean out the bucket with a hose (over a poor patch of the lawn recommended) and wash out & some biodegradeable detergent (if necessary)
Start the process again, as per the instructions http://www.bokashi.com.au/Bokashi-Instructions.htm

Any questions, please send me a message direct through this blog, i'll be happy to answer your enquiry.

Christmas, The Day After 'To Do's'

2010-12-26T21:17:00.000+11:00

A couple of post celebration household tips, in case you forgot:

Don't forget to Bokashi all your waste (Info Here)
Sort all your recyclables (most families can see at least double this weekend)
Save Christmas paper and tissue/decorations for possible re-use next year
Turkey carcass can be simmered to resemble a lite 'fonds de volaille' (reduce by 2/3, skim, muslin & freeze)
Ham leftover? Bone the joint, segment the usable ham into 250gm-500gm pieces and gladwrap into refridgeration. Vacpac the trimmings, and freeze away for later use. Make a stock with the bones and rind and freeze for future use.
Berries, simmer quick then stick blend buzz with icing sugar, strain and bottle as fruit coulis. The boil will stop any decomposition and benchmark it for a good few weeks in the fridge (bottled), the sugar will help add as a preservative
Too much pouring cream? Sometimes it splits a bit after bringing out of the freezer, but you can usually get something enriching. (Stroganoff)
Red Wine. Chances are someone spent a few dollars on that good drop. (Gluwein or Beef Borguignone for the North, For Downunder, keep for marinating holiday or NYE BBQ meats, Roo Fillet, Cervena)

OK, so I mention the word freeze quite a lot, but it is easy to waste food this time of year. If you have a bucket of tomatoes that you know you are not going to use straight away, then pop them in the freezer. Then when you need to make Sce Tomate, you have some snap frozen fresh tomatoes in the door of the freezer.

Finally, a photo taken this week in Christchurch, New Zealand, about 10 minutes before the Lunar Eclipse. Happy Holidays!

Prepare for Holidays (Bokashi Bucket)

2010-12-18T16:33:00.000+11:00

Its that time of year when a lot of us clear out of town for holidays. Things to remember:

Take the cat to cattery
Redivert the postal mail
Stop the newspaper
Configure your OOF in MS Outlook
Turn the hot water cylinder off
Put that old set of disco lights on the timer, so everyone knows your home (Right!)
Etc

Don't forget poor'lil Bokashi Bucket. He doesn't need to be feed, he knows you guys need a holiday. But drain his "Bokashi Juice" before you leave town.

Pour the juice down the sink if you are not going to water out (fertilise). Certainly you can go away for 3-6 weeks and the Bokashi waste will just continue to ferment and you can bury it when you get back. Or bury the waste now, give him a good cleanout and get things started in the garden on your return.

Bokashi Videos http://www.youtube.com/user/billjackjane?feature=mhum

Street Legal Electric Zero Motorcycles Now (Quietly) Hitting Australian Roads

2010-12-01T22:04:00.000+11:00

For the Eco-Conscious Biker. You can book a demo ride through the website.

City Of Sydney - E-Waste Collection

2010-11-30T12:08:00.000+11:00

Click on the Title to be transported to the City of Sydneys information webpage for this end of year event. The depot is just around the corner from The Broadway Shopping Centre in Ultimo, so save some extra energy and do your Christmas Shopping while you are in the area....

Open Data is Bringing Public Transportation Into the 21st Century - Planet Green

2010-10-16T13:35:00.000+11:00

Open Data is Bringing Public Transportation Into the 21st Century - Planet Green