The Cape Navigator

In a bid to combat food waste and promote sustainable living, the City of Cape Town’s Urban Waste Management Directorate is urging residents to embark on a journey of self-sufficiency in 2024. The call is for residents to explore the benefits of composting and food gardening to divert food waste from landfills.

Aimed at reducing the environmental impact of organic waste on climate change, the initiative encourages residents to implement home composting systems and utilize the compost produced to grow their own food. The disposal of organic waste in landfills contributes to the release of harmful greenhouse gases, exacerbating global warming.

Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Alderman Grant Twigg, emphasizes the importance of residents taking a simple yet impactful step towards sustainability. Installing a composting system not only reduces their carbon footprint but also provides the added benefit of nutrient-rich soil for homegrown produce.

To promote widespread composting, the City of Cape Town annually distributes a limited number of home composting containers. Residents interested in obtaining a free container can check the schedule for rollout on the city’s website, with updates on the next planned rollout in the coming weeks. For those unable to attend the events, composting containers are readily available for purchase at various retailers where garden supplies are sold or online.

To assist residents in starting this eco-friendly journey, the Urban Waste Management Directorate recommends consulting online resources, including guides on starting a food garden and what to grow in it, available on the city’s official website.

“By planting food at home, residents not only contribute to a greener environment but also enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting their own fresh produce. With current food prices, they will likely save some money as well,” noted Alderman Grant Twigg. “The City of Cape Town encourages everyone to join this sustainable movement. Let’s cultivate a future where our gardens not only feed us but also nurture a healthier planet for generations to come.”

For more information and resources, residents are encouraged to visit:

• Start a Food Garden
• What to Grow in Your Food Garden
• CCT Smart Living Handbook (PDF) (See pages 145-152)

Join the City of Cape Town in cultivating a sustainable future, where gardens not only nourish us but also contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.