Bokashi composting is used throughout Clarion School. The method of composting was chosen because it can be done indoors, it doesn’t require much space, and the airtight containers used by grocery stores or restaurants for food storage that would have otherwise been thrown away can be repurposed for this process.
Bokashi composting creates nutrient-rich compost and is an approach through which all food scraps, not only vegetables and fruit, can be composted. It suits our classrooms because bokashi bins can be placed by the door and food can be collected throughout the day and added. We can also collect all of our school lunch leftovers, regardless of what they are, and keep them out of landfill.
The airtight containers used in bokashi composting can also be left sealed and unattended for extended periods of time. This means that during school holidays and times when students are busy with other activities, the food waste can be kept without causing issues.
The ‘tea’ (liquid) created during the bokashi process can be mixed with water and used as a fertilizer for plants or to clean drains. Although it has a strong vinegary smell, this does not last for long, even when it has been spilled.
As food waste is fermented during bokashi composting, potential rodent/stray animal issues associated with food waste decomposing outside are also removed by this approach. Fermentation also speeds up the composting process once the completed bokashi is added to dry leaves, cardboard, etc. during the second stage of the composting process.
However, above all, we use bokashi composting at Clarion in the hope that children might realize they can do it at home for all of the reasons listed above as well (even in apartments!)
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