Paper short abstract:

We illustrate the creative craft of living with waste through specific form of waste treatment: Bokashi composting. We argue that Bokashi composting as a practice creates a new kind of ethical relationship with waste in which waste is no longer an unwanted abject, but a cohabiting companion.

Paper long abstract:

The European Union has set as its long-term goal to become a resource efficient "recycle society" by 2020. The ultimate goal is that the inevitable side-products of living will no longer be treated as an unwanted surplus to be gotten rid of but instead as a resource that can be reused again and again. In a perfect recycle society the materials flow in an endless circular motion and there is no need for new raw materials. This goal also affects how people live their everyday lives in homes and offices. Waste has become a complicated matter and new routines and treatment practices are constantly forming around waste. Waste has ceased to be an abject to be quickly flushed down the drain or dumped in the bin. Instead, people are constantly finding innovative ways to co-exist peacefully with it. We will illustrate the creative craft of living with waste through specific form of waste treatment: Bokashi composting. We argue that Bokashi composting as a practice creates a new kind of ethical relationship with waste that is based on affectionate reciprocity and generosity. In the practice of Bokashi waste matter is something that is not merely taken care of out of duty, but something to be thoroughly and joyfully engaged with. It is treated as a cohabiting companion that communicates and cooperates with the composter.