Absolutely Wasted: The Inner-City Garden Turning Food Scraps into Top-Grade Soil
Anthony Ussher, the founder of City Soil Lab, in the roof garden he created during lockdown. All photographs by Carlotta Cardana
An urban compost project, supported by Agriton's generous donation of 40 free bokashi bins, has pioneered an innovative method to transform all types of food waste into valuable fertilizer. This groundbreaking initiative is not only addressing the pressing issue of food waste but also contributing to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment.
Ussher's innovative approach to composting has gained significant attention and recognition. By harnessing the power of fermentation, he has developed a method that can effectively process a wide range of food scraps, including bones, shells, meat, and dairy. This is a significant departure from traditional composting methods, which often struggle to decompose these materials.
The City Soil Lab is now expanding its efforts through a Tower Hamlets Council-backed initiative to explore the potential of nutrient-dense organic matter produced from fermented waste to enrich soil throughout London. This ambitious project aims to develop a replicable model for urban composting, demonstrating the feasibility of transforming food waste into valuable soil fertility.
The project's success is not only environmental but also economic. By creating a closed-loop system, Ussher has demonstrated how food waste can be transformed into a valuable resource that can benefit both urban gardens and local communities. The nutrient-rich compost produced by City Soil Lab is being used to nourish nearby gardens, improve local biodiversity, and even enhance the quality of produce grown in rural farming enterprises.
Beyond its environmental and economic benefits, City Soil Lab is also fostering community engagement and education. By involving local residents in the composting process, the project is helping to raise awareness about the importance of sustainability and the role that individuals can play in reducing their environmental impact.
With the support of Agriton's bokashi bins, City Soil Lab is demonstrating how innovative composting methods can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient urban environment. By diverting food waste from landfills and producing nutrient-rich compost, this project is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and improve local biodiversity.
As the project continues to expand, it is hoped that it will serve as a model for other cities and communities around the world. By embracing innovative composting solutions, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.