THE role that compost plays in providing humans with healthy and nutritious food is often overlooked, but International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) has highlighted its vital place in the food chain.
ICAW was celebrated between 4-10 May.
According to the Centre for Organic Research & Education (CORE), the week of activities, events and publicity was “to improve awareness of the importance of compost, a valuable organic resource and to promote compost use, knowledge and products”.
“We can compost to help scrap carbon pollution by avoiding landfilling organic materials and helping to build healthier soils.”
ICAW Australia is an initiative of CORE which is a not-for-profit organisation conducting year-round organic research, education and awareness activities.
The importance of composting is well-known to Dr Steve Robinson who is a founding member of Gloucester’s community garden located in the District Park opposite the swimming pool.
Steve, who other members of the community garden have dubbed “the King of Compost”, has been creating compost on site since the garden was first established.
The results of Steve’s efforts are demonstrated by the large number of thriving vegetable plants and fruit trees being grown in his compost.
Steve uses a four-compost bin system.
“The idea is that you move the material being composted from one bin to an empty one which introduces air into the mixture which, with water, is a big part of the process,” he said.
“We get half a dozen bucket loads of coffee grounds from the Common, and wood shavings from Wayne Mavin’s heritage joinery business, and grass cuttings and leaves from the nearby Council Olympic pool.
“It is important to have a mix of wood brown and green material, so the temperature of the compost goes up to 60 degrees, which kills the weeds.”
The produce from the garden is available for free from the Share Shop, and volunteers who maintain the garden get together every Tuesday between 8am and 10am.
New members, particularly anyone wanting to learn more about composting, are always welcome.
By John WATTS
