Composting: Nature’s Black Gold

At Bokashi Bran, we are concerned that 90% of organic waste waste from our gardens and kitchens in SA end up on the rubbish dump encased in plastic. It takes aeons of time to decompose, all the while it releases harmful gases into the environment which contributes to global warming. In fact, the methane is so potent to our planet that it is the third largest contributor to climate change. The devastation caused by such waste is a human construct and it is only we who can solve this human problem. It’s time to take proactive responsibility for it. Read the blog as we reveal how.

The Benefits of Organic Composting

In nature, there is no waste. Every living thing serves a greater purpose than its individual lifespan and contributes to the growth of something else. Compost is nature’s way of recycling. The end product of organic (once-living) material is broken down into humus by a thriving habitat of bacteria, bugs, worms, fungi and other creepy crawlies to produce a powerhouse of nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Plants use this to grow and become strong and healthy. Over and above this, compost improves soil fertility, aeration, structure and texture as well as the soils ability to hold water.

Now Read 5 Ways to Use Bokashi Bran in Your Garden

Composting your organic waste by making a few simple changes in your home will not only assist the environment and reduce your contribution to waste, but it will teach you how to appreciate the cycle of life which involves decay and new growth in equal measure. Not to mention you can spruce up your garden and lawn at the same time. Healthy soil means healthy plants. Much of our soil has been depleted of nutrients from exposure to chemical fertilizers and insecticides. Bury a bucket of bokashi-treated food waste to eliminate any pathogens and rehabilitate poor soils. The food waste attracts earthworms naturally to build healthy soils.

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure

Would you believe that food waste amounts for almost 40% of all waste stream? Your “trash” – your garden’s treasure. There are lots of good reasons to compost and it can be carried out at a wide range of scales. Small containers on a balcony for single-dwelling units. Back garden composter heap for a family unit. On site compost for small commercial kitchens. Large scale commercial composting.  For the organic gardener, nature’s black gold is the perfect soil amendment. For the money-conscious family, compost requires very few resources. Environmentalists, it’s the greenest thing that can be done for our planet. Regardless of the reasons for doing it, composting is a win-win scenario and completes the cycle by returning organic waste back to the soil.

Other cool uses for bokashi in the garden

Bokashi is a natural, chemical-free, solution to asking pests in your garden to “please leave”. The pH is on the acidic side so is not well liked by many pests including snails, slugs, aphid and ants. Sprinkle a small ring of bokashi around new seedlings to fend off pests.

What to do with your dog poop? Dig a hole in the corner of the garden and add the dog poop to the hole. Sprinkle a small amount of bokashi over it to neutralise the smell and eliminate any pathogen. It’s an easy and environmentally-responsible way of dealing with your best friend’s mess.

Now Read Old School Composting vs Bokashi Composting

The Bokashi Bran Difference

While conflicting advice regarding which materials should or should not be composted can be off-putting, the Bokashi Bran system of ALL kitchen food waste recycling to compost is so simple that it can involve and encourage people of all ages to play a part. Where traditionally, composting insisted that cooked food, proteins and dairy be left out, the bokashi system allows for everything to be composted. It is an easy way to make a difference as well as address real-world issues and help to instil a sense of environmental stewardship in our youth at the same time.

So, What are You Waiting For?

Contact us if you’re still unsure and have questions. We can guide you through the compost process.

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