Using our waste to revitalise our soil

Little Buddies was born out of deep concerns around the state of our soils, and in response to the growing problem of organic waste in our landfills. The name "Little Buddies" refers to the army of worms that we use to accelerate the composting process and produce rich vermicast, which can then be used to boost soils with valuable organic carbon, minerals, nutrients, and microorganisms.

We receive waste paper, food scraps and even spent hops and yeast from offices, cafes, restaurants and other businesses in Cambridge, Hamilton and the surrounding area. The waste is converted into a high quality soil conditioner, which is then used on local farms, orchards and gardens.

We’ve created a completely circular system that processes waste locally, without trucking it around the country to mega-facilities, which means fewer trucks on the road, reduced fossil fuel usage and lower emissions.

By diverting organic waste from landfill, we can reduce harmful emissions and safely return valuable nutrients to the soil, as nature intended.

"Worms are the intestines of the soil." - Aristotle

Helping businesses embrace sustainability

By embracing and using ancient, natural processes, we can solve some very contemporary problems. We are actively seeking local businesses who have a passion for sustainability and who want to part of the next chapter in sustainable landfill diversion efforts in New Zealand. If you are a business who has a large amount of organic waste and a desire to see it managed in a responsible way, we'd love to have a chat.

The Power of Vermicast: Boosting Root Mass for Healthier Plants

Vermicast, the nutrient-rich byproduct of vermicomposting, is an excellent soil amendment that can have a significant impact on plant growth and health. In fact, vermicast has been shown to boostRead more

What are nematodes and why are they important?

Nematodes are fascinating creatures that are vital to soil health. They are one of the most abundant animals in the soil, with an estimated one million nematodes per square meter in agriculturalRead more

Soil Exhaustion: The Causes and Solutions

Soil exhaustion is a major problem affecting agricultural productivity and sustainability. Also known as soil depletion, or soil fatigue, these terms refer to depletion of soil nutrients and organicRead more

Protecting Soil from Extreme Weather Events Part 2: Drought

Climate change has brought with it an increase in extreme weather events such as droughts. These events can have a devastating impact on soil health, leading to erosion, nutrient loss, and reduced crRead more

Protecting Soil from Extreme Weather Events Part 1: Storms

Climate change has brought with it an increase in extreme weather events such as storms. These events can have a devastating impact on soil health, leading to erosion, nutrient loss, and reduced cropRead more

Composting in Temperate Climates: The 3 Most Effective Methods

Composting is an essential part of sustainable and regenerative agriculture, as it helps to reduce waste and produce nutrient-rich soil for crops. However, composting in temperate climates can beRead more

The Science of Composting and its Role in Regenerative Agriculture in New Zealand.

Composting is a natural process that has been used for centuries to recycle organic materials into nutrient-rich soil amendments. In recent years, composting has gained popularity in New Zealand as aRead more

Coffee Grounds in the Garden: Benefits and Risks

Coffee grounds are a popular addition to garden soil. They are an inexpensive and environmentally friendly way to improve soil health and promote plant growth. However, there are some risksRead more

Pros and Cons of Continuous Flowthrough Reactors for Vermiculture in Temperate Climates

Continuous flowthrough reactors (CFTRs) are a type of vermicomposting system that offer several advantages over other types of vermicomposting, including windrows. CFTRs use a continuous flow ofRead more

Pros and Cons of Using Windrows for Vermiculture in Temperate Climates

Vermiculture, or the process of using worms to break down organic matter into nutrient-rich compost, has become increasingly popular in recent years. One common method of vermicomposting is usingRead more

The Top 5 Challenges of Home Composting and How to Overcome Them

Composting is an excellent way to reduce waste, create nutrient-rich soil, and promote sustainability. However, home composting can come with its own set of challenges. In this blog post, we willRead more

5 Simple Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Waste Footprint

As we become increasingly aware of our impact on the environment, many of us are looking for ways to reduce our waste footprint and adopt more sustainable practices. While there are many optionsRead more