At Sussex Emmaus, sustainability isn’t just an ambition, it’s woven into our daily life.
From cutting waste to nurturing biodiversity, we’re committed to protecting the planet while supporting people who have experienced homelessness. Companions not only help run our social enterprises, where we reuse, recycle, and resell donated items, they also play a key role in our garden, allotment, and polytunnel, where sustainability comes full circle.
Thanks to a generous National Lottery Grant – and the support of National Lottery players – we’ve been able to install Ridan composter systems in our community garden. These allow us to turn everyday kitchen and garden waste into rich, homemade compost.
This compost feeds the soil that grows fresh fruit and vegetables, produce that’s cooked and served in meals for up to 58 companions a day, and to customers in our community café.
Every action we take supports our mission to reduce waste, protect the environment, and provide a home and meaningful work for people rebuilding their lives.
How You Can Compost at Home
Food waste makes up around 30% of the average UK household bin — much of which could be composted at home rather than sent to landfill. (Source: WRAP – Waste and Resources Action Programme).
Composting is a simple and impactful way to keep food and garden waste out of landfill. With the right balance, you can turn everyday scraps into nutrient-rich compost that improves your soil and helps plants thrive.
Even better, it’s great for biodiversity – attracting worms, fungi, insects, and other tiny wildlife, which in turn support birds, toads, and hedgehogs in your garden.
Here are four easy tips to get started:
1. Balance Greens and Browns
Mix “greens” (like veg peelings and grass cuttings) with “browns” (such as cardboard and dry leaves).
Too many greens = soggy and smelly; too many browns = slow to break down.
2. Chop It Small
Cut up food and garden waste into smaller pieces – this helps it break down faster and discourages pests.
3. Keep It Moist – Not Wet
Compost should feel like a wrung-out sponge: damp, not dripping. Add more greens or a little water if it’s too dry, or more browns if it’s soggy.
4. Turn It Regularly
Aerate your compost by turning it now and then. This speeds things up and keeps smells down.
For more tips visit Ridan’s composting guide to learn how to recycle food waste at home.
Thank You
We’re incredibly grateful to National Lottery players for helping us grow a greener, more sustainable community.
Together, we’re proving that small changes, whether in a garden or a kitchen, can make a big difference for people and the planet.