Why This Matters
Healthy soil is the foundation of life. Without it, we cannot grow the food that sustains us, support biodiversity, or maintain the natural cycles that keep our ecosystems thriving. Yet, urban environments often neglect the importance of soil health, and with rising food waste, much of what could nourish the earth instead ends up in landfills. Composting is a simple yet powerful way to restore soil health, reduce waste, and reconnect communities with nature.
By returning organic matter to the soil, composting replenishes vital nutrients, improves soil structure, and increases its ability to retain water. In turn, this helps us grow healthier, more resilient plants. As climate change and environmental degradation put increasing pressure on our planet, initiatives like composting are critical for building a sustainable future.
About Us
We are the Compost Collective, a passionate team—Yoshimi Hata, Ramma Pande, and Hana Ogahara—united by a shared vision to revolutionize London's approach to food waste. Our mission is to transform food waste into valuable compost, fostering community engagement while revitalizing green spaces. We aim to tackle the city’s food waste challenges by turning waste into a resource that benefits both the environment and the community.
Our Vision
Our vision is to build a network of composting communities that work together to reduce waste, enrich soil health, and cultivate environmental stewardship. Through composting, we aim to improve individual well-being, strengthen community connections, and encourage sustainable living.
We are committed to making composting an accessible and engaging activity that promotes environmental sustainability and community well-being. Partnering with circular businesses like Growing Concerns in Hackney Wick, we aim to amplify our impact and inspire lasting change.
What We’re Doing Now
We’re excited to announce that we’re now working with both a primary and secondary school to support their eco teams and engage the next generation in composting. We’re also creating a specialized curriculum for after-school clubs, similar to the Scouts, that focuses on composting and environmental education.
Our Idea
Compost Collective provides a holistic approach to waste management, community engagement, and sustainability. Our initiatives include on-site composting, educational workshops, and community events aimed at raising awareness and interest in composting. By turning organic waste into rich, fertile soil, we not only manage food waste but also regenerate green spaces into vibrant areas for community interaction and learning.
Engaging the Community
A core element of our work is education. We hold workshops, invite school groups, and engage communities to plant and learn about composting. These hands-on sessions provide participants with an opportunity to connect with the soil, experience nature, and better understand the food chain. Through these activities, we foster a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices in everyday life.
Our Achievements
We are proud recipients of a prize from the UAL Creative Hackathons and have garnered significant support from the University of the Arts London (UAL). This recognition has fueled our drive to expand our reach and bring composting to more communities across London.
Why We Need Your Support
We are seeking £5,000 to further expand our operations and impact. This funding will allow us to:
- Build more compost and grow beds for food waste processing and local food production.
- Create spaces for growing herbs and vegetables, supporting urban agriculture.
- Organize additional educational workshops and community events to raise awareness about composting and sustainable practices.
- Collaborate with schools to teach students about composting, soil health, and the food chain through interactive workshops.
Join Us
By supporting our campaign, you’re contributing to a greener, more sustainable future. Your contribution will help us reduce waste, improve soil health, and build stronger, eco-conscious communities. Together, we can make composting a natural part of daily life and create lasting environmental change.
Thank you for supporting the Compost Collective. Every donation brings us closer to a sustainable, community-centered future.