As we observe World Population Day, it’s important to reflect on the challenges that come with a rising global population. One of the most pressing issues we face is the significant increase in food waste. With more mouths to feed, the amount of wasted food is growing at an alarming rate, posing a severe threat to our environment. At Wastewise, we believe in addressing this challenge head-on by promoting waste reduction and highlighting the power of composting.
The Food Waste Challenge
Food waste is a global issue that affects every country, including the UK. According to recent statistics, UK households waste approximately 6.4 million tonnes of edible food each year. This is not only a waste of resources but also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. When food waste ends up in landfills, it decomposes anaerobically, producing methane – a potent greenhouse gas that is far more damaging than carbon dioxide.
The environmental impact of food waste is profound. It exacerbates climate change, squanders the water and energy used in food production, and places additional strain on waste management systems. As the global population continues to rise, the urgency to find sustainable solutions to manage food waste becomes even more critical.
The Power of Composting
Composting offers a practical and effective solution to the food waste problem. By diverting food waste from landfills and turning it into compost, we can significantly reduce its environmental impact. Composting is the process of breaking down organic materials, such as food scraps, into nutrient-rich soil. This process not only mitigates the harmful effects of methane emissions but also provides numerous benefits to our ecosystem.
Reduction of Greenhouse Gases: Composting helps lower the amount of methane released into the atmosphere, contributing to a reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Soil Enrichment: Compost is a natural fertiliser that enhances soil quality, improves its structure, and boosts its ability to retain water and nutrients. This leads to healthier plants and more sustainable agriculture.
Waste Diversion: By composting, we can reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills, alleviating the pressure on waste management systems and extending the lifespan of existing landfill sites.
Economic Benefits: Composting can also offer economic advantages. It reduces the costs associated with waste disposal and provides a cost-effective alternative to chemical fertilisers for farmers and gardeners.
At Wastewise, we are committed to promoting composting as a vital component of waste reduction strategies. We operate state-of-the-art in-vessel composting (IVC) facilities that turn organic waste into high-quality compost, supporting sustainable agriculture and reducing landfill dependency. Our facilities process a wide range of organic materials, transforming them into nutrient-rich compost that enriches soil and promotes healthy plant growth.
How You Can Help?
Commercial composting schemes, like the ones we operate, support local authorities across the UK in managing food and garden waste from households. However, there are some simple steps you can take to make a difference:
Start Composting at Home: Set up a compost bin in your garden or use a kitchen compost container for food scraps. You can compost fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more.
Reduce Food Waste: Plan your meals, store food properly, and get creative with leftovers to minimise food waste. Composting should be part of a broader effort to reduce waste at the source.
Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness about the benefits of composting within your community. Share information on social media, participate in local initiatives, and encourage others to join the movement.
Support Composting Programs: Advocate for and support local composting programs and policies. Many municipalities offer composting services or have community composting sites.
In Conclusion
By turning food waste into a valuable resource, we can contribute to a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you would like to discuss our comprehensive waste management solutions.
As the gentle warmth of spring revives the world outside, it’s the perfect time for garden enthusiasts to step out into their gardens and embrace the season of growth. At Wastewise, we believe in making the most of this season with eco-friendly practices that enhance your garden while reducing waste. Here are some essential tips for spring gardening and composting that every waste-wise gardener should know.
Preparing Your Garden
Spring is the time to prepare your soil for the upcoming growing season. Start by clearing your garden beds of any dead plants or weeds. These can be added to your compost pile instead of being thrown away. Loosen the soil with a fork and mix in plenty of organic matter like compost or rotted manure. This will help improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content.
Choosing the Right Plants
Opt for native plants which are adapted to your local climate and soil conditions. These plants require less water, fewer fertilisers, and minimal pest control. Planting a mix of flowers, fruits, and vegetables can help create a balanced ecosystem in your garden that supports local wildlife and promotes biodiversity.
Implement Companion Planting
Companion planting is a fantastic way to maximise space and enhance your garden’s productivity. Certain plant combinations can improve pollination, control pests naturally, and enhance the growth of each other. For example, planting marigolds with tomatoes can help repel pests, while beans planted next to corn can help fix nitrogen in the soil for the corn to use.
Mulching
Mulching is an invaluable technique used in gardening that involves covering the soil surface around plants with a protective layer of material, known as mulch. This practice serves several critical functions that benefit the garden ecosystem as a whole.
Types of Mulch: Mulch can be organic or inorganic. Organic mulches include materials like wood chips, straw, grass clippings, and shredded leaves, which decompose over time and enrich the soil with nutrients. Inorganic mulches, such as gravel or black plastic, do not enrich the soil but are effective in preventing weed growth and retaining soil moisture.
The benefits of mulching include:
Weed Suppression: Mulch acts as a barrier, limiting the amount of sunlight that weeds need to grow, effectively reducing the number of weeds that sprout in the garden.
Moisture Retention: By covering the soil, mulch reduces evaporation, helping to keep the soil moist for longer. This is particularly beneficial during dry spells, reducing the need for frequent watering.
Soil Temperature Control: Mulch insulates the soil from temperature extremes. In the spring and summer, it keeps the soil cooler; in the winter, it can help the soil stay warmer, offering some protection to plant roots against frost.
Soil Health Improvement: As organic mulches decompose, they add valuable organic matter to the soil, improving its structure, nutrient content, and overall fertility. This enhanced soil environment promotes healthier plant growth.
Erosion Control: By shielding the soil from direct rain impact and runoff, mulch can prevent soil erosion, keeping nutrients in place and maintaining soil structure.
Application Tip
When applying mulch, ensure it is spread evenly around plants, but not piled up against stems or trunks, which can lead to rot. A layer of about 2 to 4 inches is typically sufficient, depending on the material type and the plants being mulched. It’s important to refresh organic mulches as they decompose and before they become too compacted.
Starting a Compost Bin
Composting is a cornerstone practice for sustainable gardening. Start your compost bin by choosing a suitable spot in your garden or backyard. Your compost should be a mix of ‘greens’ (kitchen scraps, fresh lawn clippings, etc.) and ‘browns’ (dry leaves, branches, paper). Ensure the compost is moist and turn it regularly to speed up the decomposition process. Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll also produce nutrient-rich compost that can be used to enrich your garden soil.
Efficient water use is crucial in sustainable gardening. Collect rainwater in barrels and consider setting up a drip irrigation system for water efficiency. Water your plants in the early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation and ensure deep watering to encourage root growth.
Regular Maintenance
Regularly check your plants for signs of disease or pest issues. Early detection can help manage problems without resorting to harsh chemicals. Natural remedies, like neem oil or insecticidal soaps, can be effective alternatives.
By implementing these tips, you’ll not only have a flourishing garden but also contribute positively to our environment by minimising waste and conserving resources. Remember, every little bit helps when it comes to waste-wise gardening. Happy gardening this spring from all of us at Wastewise!
Green waste compost is an organic matter that has been broken down and recycled as a soil amendment and a natural fertiliser. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes it a gardener’s gold and how it is an integral part of sustainable living. At Wastewise, where we excel in in-vessel composting, green waste compost transcends beyond being merely a product — it embodies our commitment to fostering a more sustainable future.
What is Green Waste Compost?
Green waste compost is the product of decomposed organic material, primarily derived from garden trimmings, leaves, branches, grass clippings, and other plant-based materials. It is a key element of organic gardening, acting as a soil conditioner, a fertiliser, and a natural pesticide for soil. The process of creating green waste compost is a natural way of recycling organic waste into a valuable resource for improving garden health.
What are the benefits?
Using green waste compost has numerous benefits:
Soil Improvement: It enriches the soil, improves its structure, and helps with water retention.
Nutrient-Rich: It is teeming with essential nutrients that plants need to thrive.
Eco-Friendly: It reduces the need for chemical fertilisers, which can be harmful to the environment.
Waste Reduction: Composting green waste significantly cuts down the amount of waste sent to landfills. Which would otherwise produce Methane 10x more potent than CO2.
Carbon sequestration – studies show up to 200kg of CO2 is locked away into stable carbon containing compounds for every tonne of green waste composted.
The In-Vessel Composting edge
Our in-vessel composting technique takes green waste recycling to the next level. In-vessel composting is an advanced and controlled method that accelerates the breakdown of organic material in an enclosed environment. This method offers numerous advantages:
Speed: The composting process is much faster compared to traditional methods.
Year-Round Operation: Our in-vessel composting systems function effectively in all weather conditions.
Control: We can closely monitor and control the composting environment, ensuring high-quality green waste compost.
Reduction in Odours and Pests: Being an enclosed system, it minimises odours and deters pests.
How Does Green Waste Composting Work?
The journey of green waste compost is an interesting one:
Collection: Green waste material is gathered from residential and commercial sources.
Processing: It’s then shredded and prepared for composting.
Composting Phase: The green waste is placed into our in-vessel composting systems where microorganisms break it down.
Maturation: Finally, the compost is allowed to mature until it’s ready to provide nutrition to new life.
Using Green Waste Compost
Green waste compost can be used in many ways:
In Gardens: Mix it into garden beds to boost plant health.
For Landscaping: It’s ideal for preparing lawns and landscapes.
On Farms: It serves as a sustainable soil amendment for agriculture.
Our Promise
As a company dedicated to providing top-tier in-vessel composting services, we are at the forefront of environmentally responsible waste management. We stand by our commitment to creating a sustainable future, one batch of green waste compost at a time.
In Conclusion
Green waste compost represents a simple yet profound solution for organic waste. By turning what would be trash into treasure, we play a part in nurturing the planet. Our in-vessel composting process ensures that your green waste is transformed into high-quality compost, ready to support the next cycle of growth. Get in touch for more information, or to speak to a member of our sales team.
As the festive season approaches, the concept of eco-friendly celebrations is gaining momentum. One of the key aspects of this green revolution is the use of compostable Christmas decorations. In this article, we explore various ideas and tips for incorporating compostable decorations into your Christmas festivities, aligning with the increasingly popular trend of sustainable living.
Why Choose Compostable Decorations?
Compostable Christmas decorations are not only environmentally friendly, but they also offer a creative and unique touch to your holiday decor. By opting for compostable options, you contribute to reducing waste, minimising your carbon footprint, and supporting sustainable practices.
DIY Compostable Decor Ideas
Homemade compostable decorations are not just eco-friendly, they’re also a fun way to engage with family and friends. Here are a few fun DIY ideas, which can make a really festive impact on your home.
Natural Compostable Wreath
Materials Needed:
A circular frame (create one from flexible branches like willow or grapevine).
Greenery (such as pine branches, holly, eucalyptus, or any other compostable foliage).
Additional natural decorations (like pine cones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and berries).
Use natural twine instead of floral wire.
Instructions:
Create the Base: Shape your flexible branches into a circle and secure the ends with twine.
Attach Greenery: Take your greenery and attach it to the frame with twine. Start from one point and work around the circle, ensuring that each new bunch overlaps the stems of the previous one to hide the wire/twine.
Add Decorations: Once the greenery is in place, add your pine cones, dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and berries. Secure these with additional twine.
Hang Your Wreath: Attach a piece of twine for hanging, or simply use the frame itself to hang the wreath.
Fabric Ribbons from Natural Fibres
Materials Needed:
Natural fibre fabric (like cotton or hemp)
Scissors
Natural dye (optional)
Instructions:
Cut the Fabric: Cut the fabric into long strips of your desired width for ribbons.
Optional Dyeing: If you wish to colour your ribbons, use natural dyes made from berries, beets, or other natural sources.
Use as Decor: Tie your fabric ribbons around your tree, wreath, or use them to wrap gifts.
Paper Stars and Garlands
Materials Needed:
Recycled or biodegradable paper
Scissors
Natural twine or thread
Instructions for Paper Stars:
Cut Star Shapes: Cut the paper into star shapes. You can fold the paper to cut symmetrical stars.
String the Stars: Punch a small hole at one point of each star and string them onto the twine.
Instructions for Paper Garlands:
Cut Paper Strips: Cut long strips of paper.
Create Paper Rings: Form the strips into loops and secure them by stapling or gluing the ends. Loop each new strip through the previous one to create a chain effect.
Purchasing Compostable Decorations
For those who prefer ready-made options, there are numerous eco-friendly brands offering compostable Christmas decorations. Look for decorations made from materials like bamboo, recycled paper, or natural fabrics.
Composting Post-Holiday
Post-Christmas, ensure your compostable decorations are disposed of correctly. Composting them is a fantastic way to return nutrients to the earth and close the loop in your sustainable holiday cycle.
Compostable Christmas decorations are a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season while being kind to our planet. They can be a fun family activity and are a great way to involve children in learning about sustainability during the holiday season. Remember, the key is to use materials that can be easily composted or recycled after the holidays, ensuring a green and environmentally friendly celebration.
By choosing sustainable decor options, you’re playing a part in preserving the environment for future generations. Embrace this eco-friendly trend and make your Christmas a green, compostable celebration!
Are you looking to reduce food waste at home and play your part in conserving the environment? You’re in the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through some simple steps you can take to curb waste and how composting can be a game-changer.
Why It’s Important to Reduce Food Waste
When you reduce food waste, you’re not just saving money; you’re also: Helping Combat Climate Change (decomposing food in landfills produces methane, a harmful greenhouse gas); Conserving Resources (wasting food means wasted water, energy, and labour that went into its production); and Supporting Ethics (with millions hungry, reducing food waste is a step towards a just society).
Easy-to-Follow Tips to Reduce Food Waste
Know Your Needs: Plan meals to ensure you only buy what you’ll consume.
Smart Shopping: Always use a list to avoid unnecessary purchases.
Decode Expiry Dates: Learn the difference between “use-by” and “best before” dates.
Store Smart: Proper food storage extends shelf life. For instance, keep bananas away from other fruits to avoid over-ripening.
First In, First Out: Use older items before new ones.
Serve Sensibly: Avoid oversized portions which lead to leftovers.
Love Leftovers: Reuse them in new dishes or as tomorrow’s lunch.
Embrace Imperfections: Buy “ugly” produce; they taste the same!
Preserve More: Freeze, dry, or can extra food.
Whole Food Approach: Use every edible part of the food, like broccoli stems.
Avoid Buffet Traps: At buffets, take only what you’ll eat.
Donations Work: Share excess food with those in need.
Spread Awareness: Talk about the importance to reduce food waste.
Go Local: Support local markets to reduce transport waste.
Monitor & Adjust: Keep track of what you throw away and adjust your habits.
The Composting Connection
Composting is an integral part of the solution to reduce food waste. Starting a compost bin at home allows you to recycle kitchen scraps, turning them into nutrient-rich soil additives. For effective composting, it’s essential to maintain a balance between ‘greens’ (nitrogen-rich materials) and ‘browns’ (carbon-rich materials) to ensure optimal decomposition. This rich compost not only enriches garden soil, making it more fertile, but it also helps the soil retain moisture more effectively, reducing the need for frequent watering. Furthermore, by composting, we significantly reduce the volume of food waste that would otherwise head to the landfill.
In Conclusion
To reduce food waste is not only an economic choice but an environmental and ethical imperative. Couple that with composting, and you have a holistic approach to sustainable living. Start with one tip, and gradually incorporate more into your routine. Every step counts in our collective effort to reduce food waste and create a greener planet.
Our composting facility here at Waste Wise is a beacon of sustainable waste management, transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich compost, promoting both waste reduction and environmental preservation. As the article underscores the significance of minimising food waste and the advantages of composting at a personal level, Waste Wise showcases this on a larger scale. Our innovative composting techniques mirror the easy tips provided, offering a real-world example of how these practices can be amplified to manage waste efficiently and sustainably in commercial settings.
In the realm of eco-friendly products, two terms often get intertwined or mistaken for one another: biodegradable and compostable. While both sound like ideal solutions for our waste problem, understanding their distinctions is important for sustainable choices. This article delves into the differences between biodegradable and compostable materials, aiming to debunk common misconceptions.
Definitions: Biodegradable vs Compostable
Biodegradable products break down and return to nature. Ideally, over time, they degrade from the actions of naturally occurring microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. However, the duration and by-products of this decomposition can vary widely. Items can take anywhere from a few days to years to break down, depending on the environmental conditions and materials in question.
Compostable items, on the other hand, are organic substances that can be used as a soil additive post decomposition. For an item to be labelled as compostable, it generally should decompose in a compost setting within 90 days. Moreover, it should not release harmful residues and should be capable of supporting plant life.
Environmental Impact
Biodegradable products are designed to break down into natural elements, which means they might not persist in the environment as long as non-degradable products. But just because an item is biodegradable doesn’t mean it’s free from environmental harm. There are a number of challenges:-
Ambiguous Timeframe: “Biodegradable” does not provide a specific timeframe for decomposition. Some products might take years or even decades to break down.
Toxic Residues: While biodegradable products break down, they may release toxic residues or pollutants. Some so-called biodegradable plastics degrade into microplastics, tiny fragments that can persist in the environment and harm marine life.
Methane Emissions: Like compostable products, if biodegradable items end up in anaerobic environments like landfills, they can produce methane.
False Security: The term “biodegradable” can sometimes offer consumers a false sense of eco-friendliness. Just because an item is labelled as biodegradable does not mean it’s the best environmental choice.
True compostable products offer more environmental benefits, such as:-
Soil Enrichment: Compostable products decay into organic matter that helps improve soil health. This can rejuvenate the soil, aiding in plant growth, and reduce the need for chemical fertilisers.
Carbon Sequestration: Composting captures and stores carbon in the form of organic matter, which can be a valuable tool in combatting climate change.
Reduced Methane Emissions: When organic matter decays in landfills without air, it releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Composting, however, is an aerobic process (requiring oxygen) and primarily produces carbon dioxide, which has a lower global warming potential than methane.
Certifications Matter
Look out for certifications on compostable products. In many regions, a genuine compostable product will have a certification to back its claim. This ensures that it meets the standards of decomposition and non-toxicity. Biodegradable products, however, may lack standardised certifications.
Making Informed Choices
Before buying products labelled as biodegradable or compostable, it’s wise to:
Research the product and its decomposition requirements.
Understand local waste management systems – not every region has facilities to compost.
Opt for certified compostable products when possible.
Remember that reducing and reusing are still the top methods for sustainable living.
Why Biodegradable Products Shouldn’t be Sent to Composting Facilities
It is essential to recognise that “biodegradable” and “compostable” products are not synonymous and shouldn’t be treated as such. Sending biodegradable products to composting facilities can pose challenges.
Biodegradable products are designed to break down over an unspecified timeframe, which might be longer than the period required for composting materials. This can disrupt the composting process, slowing down the decomposition of genuinely compostable items.
Furthermore, as biodegradable items break down, they may release non-organic compounds or microplastics, contaminating the compost output. Thus, mixing biodegradable products with compostable waste can jeopardise the integrity and quality of the compost produced, rendering it less beneficial or even harmful to the environment.
Waste Wise operates three advanced composting facilities processing over 200,000 tonnes per annum of garden and food waste. We convert this biowaste into of BSI PAS 100 certified compost for use in a range of high-quality organic soil improvers, growing media and top soils. Click here for more information about our composting facilities.
Autumn, with its rich tapestry of colours and cooler temperatures, is a golden period for gardeners and composting enthusiasts. As leaves tumble and summer’s bounty finishes, there’s a wealth of materials ready to be transformed into black gold for next year’s garden.
The team at Waste Wise specialise in commercial composting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be a composting pro at home too! Here are our top tips on layering your compost bin with the best offerings of the season.
Start with a Base of Twigs and Branches
Begin your autumn compost pile with a 6-inch layer of twigs, small branches, or straw at the bottom. This coarse material aids in aeration, preventing the compost from becoming too compacted or waterlogged.
Add a Layer of Fallen Leaves
Autumn is synonymous with falling leaves. Gather leaves like oak, ash, or beech, and shred them if possible, to speed up decomposition. Layering these carbon-rich leaves provides the foundation for your compost pile.
Incorporate Green Matter
Sprinkle in fresh grass clippings, spent annuals, and vegetable garden remnants. These nitrogen-rich materials help balance the carbon from the leaves and accelerate the composting process.
Fruit and Veggie Scraps from the Kitchen
Autumn harvest might mean you’re processing a lot of fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to add peels, cores, and other scraps to the pile. They’re an excellent source of nutrients.
Enhance with Natural Boosters
A sprinkle of garden soil or finished compost acts as an inoculant, introducing beneficial microbes. Crushed eggshells can also be added for a calcium boost.
Throw in Coffee Grounds and Tea Bags
Used coffee grounds and tea bags provide a touch of nitrogen and help maintain a balanced compost mix.
Add More Leaves
As autumn progresses, you’ll have a continuous supply of leaves. Keep adding them, especially when you incorporate wetter materials like food scraps to maintain balance.
Layer with Cardboard and Newspaper
Thin strips of cardboard or non-glossy newspaper serve as a carbon source and help absorb excess moisture.
Maintain Moisture Balance
Your compost should have the consistency of a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, sprinkle some water. If it’s too wet, add more leaves or paper.
Turn the Pile Regularly
Every week or two, turn your compost pile to introduce air, which aids the aerobic decomposition process and prevents foul odours.
Add a Final Layer of Leaves
As winter approaches, add a final layer of leaves on top. This acts as an insulation blanket, keeping the pile warmer and aiding decomposition through the colder months.
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Here at Waste Wise, our strategically located composting facilities utilise advanced technologies to efficiently and cost effectively convert over 200,000 tonnes of biowaste per annum into a range of high quality, industry certified organic compost products.
We have over 20 years’ experience in composting, and are continually improving our process, increasing capacity and reducing costs whilst maximising our positive impact on the environment.
By layering the best of the season in your compost bin, you are also helping to reduce waste. So, grab that rake, gather those leaves, and let the composting magic begin!
During the last 3 years the use of compost derived from organic waste by gardeners has increased considerably in the UK. The main reason is that the extraction of natural peat deposits, previously used as garden and potting compost, has been banned by the end of 2023 to save the peatland ecology and protect the wildlife of dwindling natural peat bogs.
Composted organic waste has thus become an increasingly significant source of commercial compost products bagged and sold in garden centres and supermarkets and a great alternative source of plant growing media for a nation of gardeners.
Biodegradable waste is big business. Some 60% of all waste generated by households in the UK can be composted. * This can and should be treated to produce a product grade compost that serves both amateur gardener and agricultural business – as well as reducing the amount of waste to landfill where is would create hugely environmentally harmful methane gas.
But how green is organic waste?
The use of this recycled compost, created from residential organic waste helps improve soil fertility but if not managed properly in the treatment process can also be a source of microplastics that are present after the composting process.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastics and as a pollutant can be harmful to the environment and animal health. Generally, microplastics are plastic debris less than five millimetres in length, or about the size of a sesame seed.
The problem, however, starts at the very beginning of the waste journey where the plastic waste goes in the wrong bin.
To reduce microplastics the whole supply chain needs to contribute to ensuring that the compost produced, which is then spread onto the land, is clean and free of plastics.
This clearly starts with the householder doing their bit and continues with the local authority tightly regulating the collections. The waste operator then must play an important role in removing the unwanted plastics and other materials still present in the waste, prior to and during the composting process.
It is both time consuming and costly to remove the contamination from the waste once it gets this far down its journey. Contamination often enters the treatment site in the form of plastic bags, plant pots, plastic ties, labels, bulb nets, and other such items thrown in with kitchen waste, hedge, and grass cuttings. They are not always easy to spot and the composting process often causes disintegration of larger plastic items into smaller microplastics.
At Wastewise we use a range of methods that involve trommels and screens as well as hand-picking to reduce plastic contamination. Despite these interventions, it is not possible to capture and remove every scrap of plastic.
The ideal solution is a comprehensive approach that must start with Educating the householder and reminding them to be vigilant with organic waste content. Next this approach involves improved waste collection practices and increased efforts to reduce plastic waste at its source. As waste processors the final piece of the puzzle is continued improvements in plastic removal and clean up technology on site and continued vigilance. We hope that on-going and improved collaboration will help reduce the microplastic content further.
