{"id":8885,"date":"2018-09-28T07:24:40","date_gmt":"2018-09-28T07:24:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/?p=8885"},"modified":"2023-10-30T07:19:24","modified_gmt":"2023-10-30T07:19:24","slug":"diy-guide-composting-system-apartments","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2018\/09\/diy-guide-composting-system-apartments\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide to Setup DIY Composting System Inside Apartment Communities"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8886 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/in-house-composting.png\" alt=\"In house composting\" width=\"1200\" height=\"628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/in-house-composting.png 1200w, https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/in-house-composting-150x79.png 150w, https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/in-house-composting-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/in-house-composting-768x402.png 768w, https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/in-house-composting-1024x536.png 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ADDA hosted Neighborhoods of Tomorrow 2018, on 8th of September, which was a futuristic workshop to help management committee members to kick-start initiatives in their communities. One of the most important topics discussed was In-House Composting Options for Gated Communities. Savita Hiremath was the expert speaker and we could not have asked for a better person for this session. When she started exploring this in 2011, no methods were available. It took her 18 months to get one system implemented and failed 6 times with major problems. Now, she has a solution to any problems related to composting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/D0otKeoBkPw\" width=\"853\" height=\"480\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Savita Hiremath, Core Member of SWMRT Solid Waste Management Roundtable (SWMRT), an organization focusing on waste management in Bangalore. It has been instrumental in the formulation and implementation of decentralized waste management policies issued by the Karnataka High Court and civic authorities since 2009. She is also a Bangalore-based independent journalist with stints in Deccan Herald, The Times of India, The New Indian Express and Acharya Institute of Journalism (HoD) spread over 12 years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Firstly, what is composting? <\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is the biological process of breaking up of organic waste such as food &amp; animal waste, manure, leaves, grass trimmings, paper, worms, coffee grounds, etc., into an extremely nutritious, humus-like substance by various microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no requirement of special containers, what is crucial for the best result is just the right atmosphere. There are two types of composting &#8211; Aerobic and Anaerobic composting. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When aerobes work with the presence of oxygen or air, its called aerobic composting and it is recommended for large-scale composting. Whereas the composting that doesn&#8217;t require oxygen\/air is the anaerobic one, which is recommended for individuals doing smaller scale composting. The kitchen waste is the easiest to compost through in-house composting and gives the best quality of compost in three weeks. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She also mentioned that most people are worried about odour when it comes to composting. It happens usually due to high or low moisture, and people just give up on composting. It can be easily rectified by adding dry leaves or coco peat-based inoculant. She also added that the composting process should be process-centric and not person-centric! Not one person should be responsible, the whole community should be responsible for the system and all the staff should be trained on the composting system, not just one or two. The composting also should not be power or water intensive. Another important aspect to be considered is that your composting system should not hurt someone else&#8217;s human rights. You should always consider your staff and security before finalising on a composting system.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-8899 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/DSC_0164.jpeg\" alt=\"Savita Hiremath on In house Composting inside apartments\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/DSC_0164.jpeg 1500w, https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/DSC_0164-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/DSC_0164-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/DSC_0164-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/DSC_0164-1024x683.jpeg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She stressed on the importance of having a shredder for large-scale composting because it reduces the time taken for composting to more than half. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Everything starts with segregation. Composting can be even hazardous if segregation is not done properly. It does not take more than 7 days to get segregation right in your community. A fact most of the communities are segregating the waste nowadays. Ms Savita also added, \u201cOnce it is mixed, it cannot be fixed!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nowadays, there are so many wonderful products for composting starting with even zero cost solutions. The cost is independent of the quality of compost. You can start composting at the terrace, parking areas or even clusters of composts distributed in the society and you can try out different combinations of composting techniques from vendors. <\/span><\/p>\n<h4>A few composting systems are listed below along with their pros and cons<\/h4>\n<p><b>1.Platform Composting<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good for communities with large garden. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Almost zero-cost solution to process all garden waste. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimal effort <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Space required &#8211; \u00a06&#215;6 ft for one pile. (Not considering space for staff to do the work).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The width has to be only 4 feet to ensure that the workers can reach the centre portion of the piles. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"2\">\n<li><b> Eco Digester &#8211; A Bio-Meth solution<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for medium-to-large communities, where biogas can be used up. (Canteens, Schools or similar establishments)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Almost zero maintenance cost and money recovered in a few years.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Space for a Digester that takes in 25 kgs (50 houses, approx) is around 5ftx5ft. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extra space on the terrace to place the biogas balloon.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Needs a meshed enclosure to keep off rodents. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If no natural wind movement, then the stirrer needs to be power-driven. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Placing it closer to kitchen avoids heavy plumbing work. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"3\">\n<li><b> Byobin<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for small-to-medium sized communities (up to 100 houses).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rain-proof, Rodent-proof.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can fit in anywhere\u2014terrace, basement (with good air circulation), out in the garden.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They work in pair. One pair is enough for up to 20 houses. It is longlasting.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cannot handle very large quantities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"4\">\n<li><b> UPGRADE<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for small-to-medium communities (up to 200-250 houses).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can be done in the basement if there\u2019s a spot with very good air circulation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low on Capital Expenditure. Composting done in milk crates. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Space-intensive. Needs at least 12&#215;12 ft for 200 houses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Needs a rain-proof, rodent-proof room. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"5\">\n<li><b> Sudh-Labh Aerobic Digester<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One digester is enough for up to 100 houses.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fits in corners. 6&#215;6 ft enough for 100 homes.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Needs a roof to prevent rainwater splashing.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>6.Marigold Solar Compost<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suitable for communities of all sizes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aesthetically designed. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uses sunlight to process kitchen rejects. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fits in the open areas, on the terrace. Not in shaded areas\/basements. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rain-proof, rodent-proof. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available in 3-4 capacities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cannot handle very large quantities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"7\">\n<li><b> Shudh-Labh Barrel Digester<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good for small-to-medium communities.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-cost solution<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fits in almost anywhere. Good for parking, basement and open areas with a roof. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easily portable. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons &#8211; None<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"8\">\n<li><b> Cement Tank <\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can handle large quantities (800-900 kgs of waste at once)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highly Capex<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Demands perfect masonry work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not portable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Space-intensive<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"9\">\n<li><b> Steel Bins<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Perfect for terraces<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bins have enough holes let the air in &amp; are mobile. The lid is easy to operate with handles on two ends. The bottom has a hole to let out leachate and is collected in a plastic tray.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Temps go beyond 60-70 degree Celsius on hot days. Pathogens perish. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not Rainproof<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"10\">\n<li><b> Zero cost Rainbow drive method<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Very low on capital and operating expense. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not labor-intensive.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First a layer of dry leaves and then 8-10 inches of kitchen waste. Always topped off with dry leaves. A gunny cloth is wrapped around the steel mesh ring to contain moisture and prevent spilling. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Needs space to store half-done compost for maturing. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unless kept clean, aesthetics can be a problem. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dry leaves are crucial.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"11\">\n<li><b> Orbin Solo<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well-designed, compact and portable. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One unit takes up 3ftx3ft of space. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The total capacity is 80 kgs or 110 litres. One can add up to 1.5-2 kgs of fresh kitchen waste per day.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuous composting. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No leachate loss.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No odour or rodent issues. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scalability limited to one point.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"12\">\n<li><b> Orbin Stax<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vertical space management.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuous flow system. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The unique modular structure that allows stacking of extra waste collectors depending on the quantity of waste to be handled. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cocopeat-based inoculant. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good aeration. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No smell or rodents. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good quality compost in three weeks. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons &#8211; None<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"13\">\n<li><b> Leaf composter<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A good solution for composting dry leaves <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Simple structure, easily replicable and scalable.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continuous composting.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can add 20% of cooked rejects also. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easily portable. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low cost. Can be fabricated locally.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Structural integrity can suffer due to continuous top-ups. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Better go for very strong, high-gauge stainless steel to avoid rusting. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol start=\"14\">\n<li><b> Aaditi<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Easily collapsible, portable aerobic composting structure. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Made out of steel mesh. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rodent-proof. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Available in 3 sizes for less than 20 homes to 70 homes. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Works on coco peat-based inoculant. <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Harvesting process made easy with an opening in the front. <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons &#8211; None<\/span><\/p>\n<ol start=\"15\">\n<li><b> Vermicomposting<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pros<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Composting done using earthworms.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Simple cement tanks with a mesh lid.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most nutrient-rich compost.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cons<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Difficult to handle kitchen waste on a large-scale.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ms Savita also spoke about composting systems that communities should not choose &#8211; the ones that offer automatic composting in 24 hours. They are just glorified incinerators. \u00a0No machine can make compost in 24 or 48 or even 72 hours. It takes a minimum of 3 weeks. The output of these is not compost, but burnt carbon which can pollute air, water &amp; soil. The temperature in these systems can go up to 100-degree Celsius. But there are several microbes in actions at lower temperatures that happens naturally and creates the best quality compost. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>She concluded her session that odour, diseases by touching compost and difficulty to handle are just myths to be broken by our communities. She finally added it&#8217;s important not to dry the compost directly under the sun and excessive sieving is also not good for the compost.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Through her blog Endlessly Green\u2014<a href=\"http:\/\/www.savitahiremath.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/www.savitahiremath.com<\/a>\u2014which has 4,000 followers, Savita has created a go-to open source where she documents SWM-related issues. Her blog recently bagged the &#8220;Social Media for Empowerment Award-2018&#8221; conferred by Digital Empowerment Foundation, New Delhi. Through Facebook and WhatsApp, she interacts with hundreds of green champions from across India and helps them pick the right composting method for their community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an icing on the cake, Mr. Ramakanth, a renowned activist who is been fighting for a cleaner Bangalore for several years, shared a few simple things everyone can do for a cleaner city. N.S. Ramakanth left his job as a chief engineer with a German company and came back to Bengaluru in 1989 when his mother fell sick. On returning to his birthplace, he was appalled to see the polluted and filthy environment in the city. He decided not to take up another job but to devote his time to raising awareness about the poor waste management in the metropolis, chasing municipal corporation officials of the BBMP to clean up the filthy lakes in the city.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mr. Ramakanth said that waste management is basically the 3Rs &#8211; Reduce Reuse and Recycle and reduction of waste is something everything can contribute on. Firstly by avoiding all one-time use items like tissues and disposable plates. Also banning mineral water bottles and storing cloth bags at security where people can use when required and return it later. Another innovative idea he shared was that each resident can contribute one set of crockery to create a community plate bank, and can be used for all the events in the community. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lemon, which takes longer to compost can be cured along with jaggery for a month after decantation can be used as a natural cleaner and the top layer can water the plants as well. Mix 1 part of jaggery with 3 parts citrus peels and 10 parts water in a loosely-capped, airtight container. Store the mix in a cool, dark place, opening every few days to release the gas that builds up. In 90 days time, the first batch of bio-enzyme can be produced. Adding a few granules of baker&#8217;s yeast will speed up the process to two weeks. Separate the pulp from the liquid and use it to clean steel and ceramic surfaces, even as a floor cleaner. Similarly, coconut powder can be used for making natural shampoos. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even at this age, he works every day, only uses public transport and even remembers to put his bus tickets in the composting system he has set up at his home. We need more people like Ms. Savita and Mr. Ramakanth to trigger communities to take up initiatives for a better sustainable city in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Looking for more information on Composting? Go ahead and <a href=\"http:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/2019\/06\/lets-talk-waste-management-in-apartment\/\">click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>ADDA hosted Neighborhoods of Tomorrow 2018, on 8th of September, which was a futuristic workshop to help management committee members to kick-start initiatives in their communities. One of the most&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":8886,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2026,141,2022,2019],"tags":[71,1327,1324,1326,1325],"class_list":["post-8885","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adda-for-community-residents","category-adda-buzz","category-adda-community-management","category-adda-india-housing-society-apartment-management","tag-adda-blog","tag-gated-communities","tag-in-house-composting","tag-neighborhoods-of-tomorrow","tag-organic-waste"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8885","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8885"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8885\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11366,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8885\/revisions\/11366"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8886"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8885"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8885"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adda.io\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8885"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}