Join us for the Community Composters Spring Convergence!

Spring is in the air – and so is the smell of good compost!

Across the country, community composters are busy turning food scraps into living soil and stronger communities. At LOCCAL, we’re just as busy preparing for our next online Community Composters Spring Convergence.

Join us for an evening of inspiring guest speakers, shared learning, and opportunities to connect with fellow composters from across Australia.

• Thursday 23 October
• 8pm (ACT, NSW, VIC, TAS)/ 7.30pm (SA)/ 7pm (QLD)/ 6.30pm (NT)/ 5pm (WA)

What’s been happening in the world of community composting during August:

Worms at Work: Transforming Fishermans Bend

LOCCAL’s own Michael Mobbs and Worms at Worm have installed a new prototype worm bench at St. ALi Coffee Roasters in Port Melbourne. The project serves as an educational tool, introducing residents to the benefits of composting and sustainable waste management, designed to efficiently process organic waste and convert it into nutrient-rich fertiliser onsite. Read more

Dumpster Diving in the Australian Capital

Kelli Hughes writes about her philosophy and adventures in salvaging from skips and bins in Canberra, where we can prevent waste before it happens, and what we can use before it gets put into the compost! Read more

The power of a good sign: How clear communication helps community compost hubs thrive

At any community compost hub, clear and friendly signage is more than just decoration – it’s one of the most important tools we have to keep things running smoothly, reduce contamination and encourage community involvement. Read more

Looking for inspiration for your community compost system?

LOCCAL has started its community composting video series! There are so many examples of people closing the loop and building community around the country. Get inspiration and view other example videos from around Australia featured in the media and online here: #CommunityCompostingClips

What’s on in September

Soil, compost, zero waste, climate action, regenerative and urban agriculture – you are sure to find something on in your neck of the woods on our continually updated What’s on Guide. Here are a few examples from around the country:

If you are aware of any other relevant events and would like to see them featured on this calendar please send details to us at info@loccal.org

Around the traps

ABC News report: SA ban on plastic produce stickers on hold as growers struggle with costs

In short:

SA was to become the first Australian state to ban stickers on fruit and vegetables in September but has delayed the change.

The decision comes after the industry warned it would drive up costs for producers and damage the national supply chain.

What’s next?

The SA government will work with NSW to create a new phase-out timeline. Read more here

#SayNoToFruitStickers

The Converstation: Australia has banned 3 ‘forever chemicals’ – but Europe wants to ban all 14,000 as a precaution

Last month, Australia’s ban on the import, use and manufacture of three types of “forever chemical” came into effect. These chemicals – PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS – have long lifespans and resist breaking down. They’re considered harmful due to their ability to build up inside living organisms and their toxicity. In 2023, the World Health Organisation’s cancer agency declared PFOA to be a human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), and PFOS a potential carcinogen. Read more here

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If you aren’t yet a member, please join LOCCAL (it’s free) to learn, share, and add your voice. Get involved, and let us know what we can do to support you.

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Remember to book in to LOCCAL’s Community Composters Spring Convergence!