Episode: #8 21/10/2006
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane

We recently caught up with eminent scientist and environmental legend David Suzuki to talk about the dramatic changes we are experiencing with our environment and more obviously climate. One point he made was the importance that we reduce consumption.

One way we can and should do that is by recycling waste from our homes and the easiest to convert into useful compost is all of our organics. Now changing your sewerage over to a composting system is probably a bit much for most but converting paper, kitchen waste such as old food and veg and garden waste like leaves, lawn clippings and leaves is something we can all do, and we could start tomorrow. Here is the bonus, if you convert it to mulch you will add 300kg on average of compost to your garden.

There are some negative connotations associated with composting, like the thought of large heaps of smelly rotting materials, attracting rodents and cockroaches but the good news is modern technology has eliminated these problems and many more. The large lid and tight design seals the bin from invasion and keeps smells in.

The Aerobin is the latest step in recycling organics and every house should have one. These units are thermally sealed and this keeps the temperature consistently hot and any odours in the unit. Compost bins need to be able to heat to around 70C to effectively convert the waste organic materials into compost and this bin is designed to maintain that temp evenly so you get the compost quickly. 70C also eliminates weeds, and any harmful bacteria.

The key to the system is the lung in the middle. This encourages air to evenly circulate encouraging the bacteria that convert the waste to proliferate to most effective levels. This also reduces emissions of methane gas, a terrible greenhouse agent, as the aerobic compost process is quick, clean and not smelly.

Making compost is easy; the formula is a 40/60 mix of green or wet organics and dry materials like leaves, paper, small sticks and shredded dry waste. The bin can be continually filled on an ongoing basis and the waste takes about 12 weeks to convert fully. The material can be easily removed through side doors on the bin as well.

One real bonus is the leachate or liquid that soaks through to the chamber at the bottom. This stuff is awesome liquid fertilizer when mixed at a 1 part to 20 ratio. It has an incredible effect improving soil fertility and this is particularly useful if your garden is struggling because your soil is barren of nutrition.

Now remember, lawn clippings, kitchen waste, leaves and newspaper all should be converted through using this bin. The small investment upfront will deliver long term value as you save a fortune on buying compost or mulch for your garden.

You will find Aerobin at your local mitre 10 or good garden centres and the best thing about these new technology composters is they are an Aussie invention!

Aerobin
info@aerobin.com.au

phone: 1800 615 445 (free call in Australia)
or: 61 3 9807 0056 (international callers)

Fax: 61 3 9888 2977
www.aerobin400.com