The Good Green Garbage Enzyme

There is a new buzzword making the rounds in environmentally-conscious circles lately: Garbage Enzyme. Developed by a Thai alternative medicine practitioner Dr Rosukon Poompanvong, it has taken Malaysia by storm so much so that many swear by its effectiveness as a cleaning agent. Green-concept stores across the country have started selling what is essentially made out of household waste.

The concept was so simple that many wondered why it hadn’t been developed and practiced sooner. Its usefulness and effectiveness far outstretch the initial skepticism.
The catalysis process of making garbage enzyme is said to release zone gas O3 into the air, which reduces CO2 in the atmosphere and heavy metal that traps heat in the clouds, hence reducing greenhouse and global warming effects. The enzyme converts ammonia to nitrate (NO3), a natural and useful hormone and nutrient for plants. In addition, it converts CO2 to CO3 which is beneficial to sea plants and marine life.

How to make garbage enzyme

It’s as simple as 3+1+10! Simply save 3 kgs of fruit peelings ( To make a fresher-smelling enzyme, use more citrus fruits, pandan leaves or lemongrass in your mix ) and uncooked vegetables, mix 1kg of sugar or molasses with 10 litres of water and mix everything in a large airtight container ( a 5-litre water bottle is a good start ).

In the first month

Remember to open the cover to remove trapped gases. Failing which, the pressure may cause the container to rupture. For this purpose, plastic containers work best as they expand. Push the floating dregs downward once in a while. If the liquid turns black, add in the same amount of sugar to start the fermentation process again. If you encounter flies or worms in the, there is no need to panic. The chemical reaction of the enzyme will resolve them naturally.

What to expect

The complete fermentation process takes 3 months and it’s best to wait it out no matter how impatient you are to test its efficiency out as you’d get more use out of a properly fermented enzyme. Enzyme is at its best after 6 months’ fermentation. It also never expires and there is no need to store it in the refrigerator. You’ll have to be prepared for the initial unpleasant odor. However, bear in mind that it will disappear and it’s a small compromise for a miracle solution that works a treat.

A super liquid

Multiple usages: A natural household cleaner and dishwashing liquid (add 1 part detergent to 1 part enzyme and 10 parts water); deodorizer and air purifier; detergent; body care (even as shampoo) and car care. Maids have said household cleaners actually work better with a bit of enzyme! You can even use it for soaking vegetables. Natural pesticide: It reduces mosquitoes, flies, rats and cockroaches. Agricultural help: My uncle goes out in the middle of the night and sprays enzyme on the pests feasting on his homegrown vegetables and raves about the results! It has also acted as organic fertilizer. Drainpipe blockage: Homeowners across the country will rejoice as it releases residue accumulated in pipes, basins and toilet bowls. Antibacterial agent: Spray it onto walls to prevent mould or fungal growth.

Consider making garbage enzyme for the simplest of reasons

1. Disposes of your kitchen waste responsibly and puts it to good use. (Methane gas released from disposed garbage can trap 21 times more heat than C02, speeding up global warming );

2. Reduces reliance on harmful chemical household cleaners;

3. It’s all natural and practically free!

Why not harness the natural goodness that Mother Nature can provide and start brewing your own garbage enzyme?

Take Notes:
1. Do not use glass or metal containers that cannot expand.
2.Garbage for making enzyme does not include paper, plastic, metal or glass materials.Avoid oily cooked food, fish or meat residue; orange , lemon peel or pandan leave will produce better scent.
3.The ideal colour of garbage enzyme is dark brown. Add in same amount of brown sugar to re-ferment if the enzyme turns black.
4. It may have white, black or brown layer on top of the enzyme, ignore it. If you encounter worms in the container, leave it for a while and close the cover tightly.
5. If you have not gather enough kitchen waste, you may fill up the container gradually. The 3 months fermentation period start from the last day you add in kitchen waste.