In her previous professional life, Mrs. Xu Jin worked as a social worker for the Birth Control Department of the Chengyang District in Qingdao. After the end of the one-child policy, the energetic lady was transferred to the district’s gardening department, where she now manages more than ten community organic waste recycling projects.
On 25 September, DCZ expert Eva Sternfeld had the chance to visit some of these initiatives, which range from a large-scale compost project in a public park (Qingdao Olympic Sculpture Culture Garden 青岛奥林匹克雕塑文化园) to several projects in residential compounds, supported by the Vanke Foundation (万科基金会).
In these residential areas, organic household and garden waste is collected and processed into compost. In her own community, Mrs. Xu also operates a small office where she sells ready-made compost soil and fermenters. The Yucai Elementary School of Chengyang District (城阳区育才小学) is also involved in the composting initiative, using the compost on small plots where students and parents learn to grow vegetables.