In today's world, where individuals face life's challenges, food stands as a vital aspect of every household. Everyone seeks the finest ingredients for their families. Consider the global consumption; it may be as vast as the Mediterranean Sea. But has anyone ever questioned where the leftovers from these culinary creations end up?
1. The Problem of Food Waste
According to the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) Food Waste Index Report 2021, people worldwide throw away a whopping 1 billion tons of food every year. Shockingly, one-third of all food produced globally is either lost or wasted. This evidence is too important to overlook. To tackle the urgent challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, reforming our food systems is crucial! One of the simplest ways to minimize food waste and transform it into something valuable is by establishing a system for organic fertilizer from food waste.
2. Turning Waste into Worthy
Crafting Organic Fertilizer Creating valuable fertilizer from waste is incredibly simple. Here's what you'll need: - A bucket with drilled holes or a dedicated fertilizing bucket - Gardening tools (trowel and optional watering can) - Brown layer materials (dried leaves, coconut peat, cupboard scraps, etc.) - Green layer materials (food waste, unused vegetables, eggshells—avoid meat and sugar) - Accelerating layer materials (old compost, old soil, yogurt)
Now, let's dive into the recipe!
Start by placing the brown layer at the bottom of the bucket, then add the green layer in a 1:1 ratio. Speed up the composting process by introducing old compost or old soil. Layer again with the brown material, add some water, cover the bucket, and let it fertilize for a week. After a week, open the bucket, mix the fertilizer with a gardening trowel to let the air flow in, add brown and green layers again, and repeat the process for a month. Your fertilizer will be ready to use!
3. Benefits of Organic Fertilizer
Using organic food waste as fertilizer is excellent for plants. It provides essential nutrients like potassium and calcium, improving the soil. Plus, it saves us money because we don't have to buy expensive fertilizers every month. And guess what? It helps reduce the amount of waste that could end up in other places. This not only helps with global warming but also stops pollution caused by waste.
As global citizens, it's crucial for us to reflect on sustainability, considering its impact on our environment and the lives of future generations. At Copra, we are committed to sustainable development, leveraging the power of coconuts to create a positive influence on the world and pave the way to a greener future.