At Emmaus Dover, sustainability isn’t just a goal — it’s a way of life.
From cutting waste to encouraging biodiversity, we’re committed to caring for the environment while supporting people who have experienced homelessness. Our companions play a central role in this mission, not only through their work in our social enterprise, where we reuse, recycle, and resell donated goods, but also in maintaining our garden at Archcliffe Fort.
Thanks to a Dover Town Council grant we’ve recently installed Ridan composter systems in our garden. These systems allow us to transform our kitchen and garden waste into rich, homemade compost.
This compost is then used to nourish the soil in our community garden, where the public have allotments and grow fresh fruit and vegetables. We also use it in the wider garden around our site.
It’s a powerful cycle: waste is turned into nourishment, and nourishment into meals that support people rebuilding their lives. Every action we take supports our wider mission, reducing waste, protecting the environment, and offering meaningful work in a safe and supportive community.
Composting at Home: Small Steps, Big Impact
Did you know that around 30% of the average UK household bin is food waste? (Source: WRAP – Waste and Resources Action Programme). Much of this could be composted at home, rather than sent to landfill.
Composting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce household waste. It helps create nutrient-rich soil, supports garden health, and encourages biodiversity, from earthworms and fungi to hedgehogs and birds.
If you’re new to composting, here are four easy tips to help you get started:
1. Balance Greens and Browns
Combine “greens” (like veg peelings and grass cuttings) with “browns” (cardboard, dry leaves). Too many greens can turn soggy and smelly; too many browns will slow the process down.
2. Chop It Small
Smaller scraps break down quicker and are less likely to attract pests.
3. Keep It Moist – Not Wet
Your compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge. If it’s too dry, add some greens or water; too wet, add more browns.
4. Turn It Regularly
Aerate your compost to speed up decomposition and keep odours to a minimum.
You can find more composting tips at Ridan’s home composting guide.
A Thank You to Dover Town Council and Ridan
We’re extremely grateful to Dover Town Council and Ridan. Your support has helped us take another important step toward building a greener, more sustainableEmmaus Dover.
Together, we’re proving that even small changes, in our gardens, kitchens, and communities, can make a lasting difference for people and the planet.
