Karen Heron started gardening more than 20 years ago and learnt that soil needs to be fed, and often. Nourished soil feeds plant roots ensuring healthy growth and an abundance of fruit and flowers.
But how was she to do this without adding chemicals to her vegetable garden?
Recycling had been a way of life in her family for many years, but food waste was the one waste stream still being thrown away. So they acquired an earthworm farm which took care of the fresh fruit and vegetable waste. But there was still waste as worms can’t be fed cooked food, meat, seafood or dairy products.
After much research Jenni discovered bokashi, meaning ‘fermented organic matter’ in Japanese. Bokashi could treat all food waste including food that could not be fed to the earthworm farm. Once food waste was treated with bokashi, it could be composted into a nutrient rich organic soil.
After treating and composting lots and lots of food waste, their garden was flourishing and Karen was hooked!
LET’S GET TO KNOW KAREN HERON AND HER EARTH PROBIOTIC JOURNEY!
Earth Probiotic Recycling Solutions was born, and ten years later has assisted households and commercial clients to divert more than 3 200 000kg of food waste from landfill by returning it to soil.
All our products are locally manufactured. Having started our business with no experience in the waste industry, little capital and a passion for wasting less, I love what I do and am proud to be part of something that does good and imparts a positive change for old habits.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Don’t stop the music – Rihanna
What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Taking my husband on as a partner!
If Mars were liveable, would you accept a one way ticket there?
No, I would not be able to grow anything.
If you were given one thousand acres of land what would you do with it?
I would fill the land with beehives and flowering and nectar producing plants to feed them.
Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?
Definitely a gatherer.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
As a gatherer … fewer than 30!
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Spicy chickpea and harissa soup followed by short rib slow cooked in red wine with steamed dumplings and seasonal veggies. Warm lemon pudding cake to end off. Simple and hearty!
How would people communicate in a perfect world?
Without a device in their hand.
When you have 30 minutes of free time – how do you pass it?
In my garden watching my bees at work.
If you woke up to 300 unread emails, how would you prioritise which ones to answer?
Those that I could answer without thinking about it.
Where do you go and what do you do to find peace and recharge?
Bed with a book.
If you could know the absolute answer to one question, what question would you ask?
Why is climate change not the number one problem being addressed right now?
If you could write one new law that everybody had to obey, what would it be?
Treasure women and let no harm ever be inflicted on them.
What, if anything, have you ever re-gifted?
A silk scarf, it suited my sister better than me.
What is the most interesting thing you have seen or read this week?
Watching our resident Weaver patiently building beautiful nests over and over again until a female happily accepts one. His patience and tenacity are incredible.
What skill or craft would you like to master?
I would love to be able to sing.
If you could dedicate your life to solving one problem, what would it be?
A natural alternative to Roundup weed killer that won’t poison the Planet.
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