About Us
My background includes twenty years in dairy farming. I have some understanding to how this industry is developing and taking on the challenges of sustainability and to have profitability and accountability of land use. The main focus from the beginning for me has been education. I believe education will always be needed, supported by science and research in order to understand and appreciate the benefits of a living soil.
I was a member of the New Zealand Earthworm Association Inc, until the association recently disbanded due to falling membership. In June 1996, the inaugural meeting of the New Zealand Earthworm Association saw the beginning of the association and I held a position for 5 years on the committee, including 3 years as president. The NZEA had up to 300 members. The New Zealand Earthworm Association (NZEA) was an Association of resources, educators, active worm farmers and enthusiasts, whose aim is to promote and encourage all activities associated with the use of earthworms.
My interest is to pursue the development of simple recycling technology to use vermiculture practices (worm farming) and composting for food waste, biodegradable packaging and many other types of organic waste. The bi-products from worm farm and compost systems are solid worm castings and liquid that has potential outlets within the horticulture, agriculture and landscaping industries. These products have been trialled and proven nationally and internationally. The results have shown many benefits such as soil water retention, humus (topsoil formation), increased earthworm activity and carbon sequestration / retention.
I see farming and the horticultural sectors showing greater interest in encouraging and re-establishing, soil bacteria and fungi along with other soil micro-organisms and earthworms into soil and pastures.
One of the challenges with effective organic waste management is to look seriously at the solid waste types produced from packaging and product manufacture. The packaging ideal for composting and vermiculture (worm farming) is to have biodegradable products that are compostable with minimal ink or industrial contamination. With the NZ packaging accord identifying producer responsibility throughout the product life and manufacture process, may encourage industries to consider more environmentally friendlier materials for packaging, reuse or recycling.
Business Background
Organic Waste Solutions was formed in May 2006. I am the sole director.
The formation of Organic Waste Solutions Ltd (OWS Ltd) was a natural progression from my original business Worms R Us which I began to operate as a sole trader in 1999. Worms R Us has its purpose in education, providing worms, consultancy and systems. Worms R Us is still used as it is a name people tend to remember.
My involvement with the developing NZ vermiculture industry has spanned over 13 years and the wealth of knowledge gained from national and international experts has now given me better understanding. Networking with councils and business has highlighted what the industry and government are looking for finding solutions to organic waste and now want organic waste to be treated as a resource.
Mission Statement
Educating on and providing worms and systems for the disposal and reuse of organic waste to be returned to the soil environment.