Australians waste around 7.6 million tonnes of food annually. In Waverley, food waste makes up nearly 40% of the contents in a typical red garbage bin, which equates to approx. $965 of food waste a year for the average household!
So it's great news that Council's FOGO trial has started, and selected households across Bondi, Bronte, and Rose Bay can put their food scraps in their green bin, which is collected weekly. This service is a critical step towards Council's goal of halving organic waste sent to landfill by 2030, and decreasing community greenhouse gas emissions. The trial will last for 12 months and will help Council plan a successful FOGO service for all Waverley residents.
This month, we hear from fabulous, local ‘bin-influencer’ Debbie, who tells us about the FOGO trial and why she is passionate about small actions, that can make a big difference, in our community and for the future.
Debbie and her FOGO Caddies
Tell us about who you are and what you do in the community.
I work in a private practise as a hypnotherapist, psychotherapist, supervisor and facilitator. I love what I do and I love where I live, in an apartment on the lands of the Gadigal, Biadigal and Birrabirragal. I have lived in the area for the about 30 years. Firstly in Randwick, then Clovelly before moving to a couple of places in Bondi. I think I have always been drawn to the ocean!
I care deeply about community and the environment and am interested in waste and how we can better recycle. I’m especially interested on our impact the planet and the legacy we will leave behind. As my neighbours will attest, I have always been "into bins"; a I guess I’m a bit a bin chicken! For years, I have been fossicking through bins pulling rubbish out, saying - "that doesn't belong in there! That's not recyclable! That needs to go in the red bin!"
I also spend a lot of time gardening around my apartment block, which is great for my mental and physical health. It’s an important part of my therapy and it keeps me grounded. The community seems to really value it as well. If I'm out the front, people often stop and chat, compliment me on the garden, and ask me questions. I have also gotten involved with worm farming after buying a worm farm through Council at a discounted price. These activities have made me much more aware of the waste we produce – how much we buy and throw away, which frightens me. I don't have kids, but I'm concerned about my friend's kids, and my nieces and nephews. What's this world going to look like in twenty years or so? This is why I was so pleased to hear about the FOGO trial in Waverley, as it presents another way we can be more conscious about how we can we handle our household waste - keeping it out of landfill and providing an easy pathway for the whole community to get involved in waste reduction.
Debbie's Gardens
How did you get involved with FOGO in your building, and what does the scheme entail?
I'm part of the strata committee of my building, and when we got a letter from Council explaining that our block was to be part of the FOGO trail, I volunteered to be the representative. I'll always support initiatives that align with my values - and opportunities to actively engage in looking after the planet, caring for the community, and doing whatever I can to make a difference. I want to lead by example and help people make small changes in proactive and simple ways.
In early October, Council delivered kitchen caddies, compostable liners and how-to guides to residents. Since then, we have placed food scraps in the green bin and put them out for weekly collection.
Waverley Council's FOGO Caddie
How are you encouraging people to get on board with FOGO and what advice do you have for those who are new to it?
It's really just about talking to people and having a friendly conversation about using the bins correctly. New people are constantly coming in and out of our apartment block, so I keep an eye on what's happening and let them know what to do. I'll sometimes send a welcome letter explaining how the recycling systems work, which will include an outline about the FOGO caddies now. (Thank you, Waverley Council!) I've also put signage near the bins, and stickers on the bins, to indicate what goes where.
When there is a significant change, like introducing FOGO, I think it's important to be patient, understanding and helpful, and not force people to engage. I always tell people they can be part of our community, and encourage them to join in - and invite them to be a bit more of a bin chicken - like me.
I know that being actively involved in community projects like FOGO can increase your feelings of belonging and studies have shown that this can have a positive impact on the quality and longevity of your life of your life! Connecting with community adds real value for me personally. I love meeting my neighbours and community. We all hold different opinions and belief systems, which expands my perspective, and I really enjoy learning from others.
I believe, we need to get past the "it won't make a difference" mentality and realise that even small changes are very important! In the case of food waste, our individual actions could make a huge difference. We are not always aware, that for better or worse, just how powerful our behaviours can be or who we could be helping or influencing.
Note: Right now, Council is only offering the FOGO service to households within the trial area, but eventually, we will start expanding it. To register your interest, complete the 'non trial participant' survey on the Have Your Say page.
Are you passionate about sustainable waste management like Debbie?
If you would like to support sustainable waste management in Waverley, there are lots of things you can do to be a "Binfluencer" too! For example:
- Request updated waste education resources for your apartment building to help make sure everyone know what goes in which bin at your place.
- Have your say on what waste servics we need for Waverley's future in the Community Strategic Plan Consultation
- Join The Great Unwaste movement. Learn how to take action on your food waste and have a positive impact on the planet and your pockets!
- Sign up to be part of Bondi’s organic buyers group which meets every Thursday in Hugh Bamford Hall
- Sign up for Garage Sale Trail 2024, Australia’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt! Visit a garage sale near you or host your own.
As the FOGO trial progresses, there will be information sessions, workshops and networking opportunities. For more information, email us fogo@waverley.nsw.gov.au