It is estimated that more than 10 million tonnes of waste food go into landfill every year in the UK, generating around 20% of our greenhouse emissions. At St Sidwell’s we want to:
- reduce our carbon footprint
- minimise the amount of waste that we send to landfill (we aim to recycle all of the food waste from our café kitchen)
- produce good quality compost to enrich our gardens
- help local residents and businesses deal with their food waste
In 2018, with the support of a grant from Exeter City Council, we purchased a made-in-Devon Ridan Composting machine. At the end of each day in the café, volunteers take the food waste down to the Ridan, add wood pellets and turn the handle a few times (no need for electricity) to mix it all up. The heat (over 60°C) and the micro organisms make for quick and efficient composting.
If you are interested in joining our team of garden volunteers, read more here.
