Enrich the Earth provides positive and inspiring evidence that change is possible.

Our Approach

  • We believe a low cost, low-tech, local approach is the best solution to our climate and waste challenges.

  • This local activity will be led by a diverse, collaborative network across all areas of our community, supported by recognised external experts.That’s why we’re working with home gardeners, community gardens, retailers, waste processors, councils and experts from the horticulture and waste sectors.

  • All of our activities are independently evaluated to fairly and accurately assess their value.

  • All of our research, failures and findings are freely shared across all sectors with the intention that they will act as an inspirational catalyst for others.

Our principles

Enrich the Earth operates on the following five principles:

  • We prioritise using organic waste-derived products to improve soil quality and as a growing medium. These materials need to be used locally to minimise transportation costs and environmental impact.

  • We actively foster partnerships between government bodies, businesses, academia and community organisations to get most value from their combined experience and resources.

  • We focus on reducing contamination in waste materials to get the maximum value from organic waste.

  • We create compelling communication campaigns that raise awareness and enable people to make sustainable choices.

  • We advocate for supportive, evidence-based policies and regulations that deliver environmental benefits and responsible use of organic waste.

To deliver on our ambitions we have:

  • Created an external Expert Advisory Group consisting of representatives from over 20 diverse organisations, who are providing strategic guidance.

  • Recruited five recognised experts who are helping to shape individual work-streams within their areas of expertise.

  • Selected the Northeast of England to be the area for the trial. This decision was made following an open call for areas to put themselves forward for the trial. The Northeast was selected due to the strength of the local partnership wishing to be involved.

  • Created a local advisory group consisting of community representatives to guide the project. We have also contracted a local Community Worker to lead our activities and support our local partners.

Building on this foundation, Enrich the Earth will:

  • Prove that garden and food waste can be used as part of the mix to replace peat with more sustainable alternatives. This will be achieved by running trials based in Durham. These measured trials will assess the viability and feasibility of our compost mix with a range of gardeners and different plant types.

  • Show the environmental and financial benefits of increased composting and the use of wormeries. Measured trials will be focused in the Northeast.

  • Find solutions to reduce the levels of plastic and packaging contamination in green and food waste. This will be assessed by using measured trials to test different techniques in the Northeast of England.

  • Advocate for changes in legislation, making it easier to create higher value compost from food and green waste.