Sunday, January 11, 2009

Composting in the Philippines


One of our projects while we are here is to establish a composting system for Andrey and Jen. This was a request of theirs when we arrived. Lou and I have been doing research on that subject, searching simultaneously for convenient compost bins that might be available in hardware/gardening stores. After several phone calls and a "finding mission" to another part of the city we found a society that is trying to promote this practise(composting) in Cebu.
Wayne, who said he is one of the experts in the Philippines on the subject, was able to give us a "kit". This kit includes a laundry hamper that has been lined with cardboard and enzymes and compost to fill the laundry basket about half way. Apparently it is very effective in breaking down vegetable peelings and other materials, making compost in a short period of time--as short as a few days. All of this magical stuff cost us only one hundred and twenty-five peso. (Just over three Canadian dollars)
Needless to say, we were very excited. The pictures you see are of the ceremonial beginning to composting at Jen and Andrey's house.

2 comments:

Dana said...

Nice work! I would like to compost too but haven't found any societies here yet!

deeyawnah said...

hi im doing a study on compost and compost bins too. i thought you might be interested in this site: http://www.conexor.se/philippines/dilg/dilg_pinagkaisahan.htm i stumbled upon it yesterday (and your post as well) and found it very informative.

by the way, i love your little idea, putting the compost in a hamper lined with cardboard and all. i'm a student trying to design a bin for the local market 'cause there aren't any. :P happy composting! :)