The food we eat has a dramatic effect on our health. In the modern food system,
mega corporations heavily promote highly processed foods that are loaded with
sugars, fats, and salt yet low in essential vitamins and minerals. This is a
serious issue that contributes to the world’s most widespread health crisis —
a metabolic epidemic resulting in overweight, diabetes, heart attacks, strokes,
cancer, and other chronic diseases.

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The influence of mega food corporations is immense. With vast financial power
and significant political reach, it is unrealistic to expect rapid government
intervention or systemic change in the short term. The current food system is
deeply entrenched, and transitioning to healthier, nutrient-dense food sources
requires action at the community level.

This is where Wicking Beds provide a practical and empowering solution.
Wicking Beds make it possible for almost anyone — regardless of gardening
experience, climate challenges, or limited water access — to grow fresh,
nutritious fruits and vegetables at home. By supplying consistent moisture and
creating stable growing conditions, they help people access high-quality food
that supports metabolic health, reduces reliance on processed foods, and lowers
overall household food costs.

A key part of the proposed community initiative is for experienced growers to
share knowledge, demonstrate simple methods, and support beginners. Workshops,
local gardens, online groups, and neighbour-to-neighbour mentoring can help
people regain the skills needed to grow real food and reclaim control over what
they eat.

However, healthy food requires healthy soil. To realise the full benefits of
homegrown produce, plants must be grown in living soil rich in minerals,
biology, and organic matter. This living soil forms the foundation of nutrient
density in fresh food — without it, even homegrown plants may lack essential
micronutrients.

One core component of the community action plan is to grow” soil, not just
use it. This means developing soil biologically through a system inspired by
the natural process of soil formation that occurs after volcanic eruptions.
Volcanic lava breaks down into mineral-rich material which, over time, becomes
living soil through the combined activity of fungi, microbes, plant roots, and
organic matter cycling.

By studying these natural systems, a practical soil-building method has been
developed to help home growers recreate the same processes in gardens and
Wicking Beds. This approach focuses on:

• Encouraging fungal dominance
• Increasing soil minerals
• Supporting root–microbe synergy
• Recycling household organic waste
• Building long-term soil structure and fertility

Together, these steps allow communities to create a self-sustaining cycle:
healthier soil → healthier plants → healthier food → healthier people.

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I recently publicised my work on creating living soil using fungal composting, which I assumed was a niche interest. I was wrong—many people understand that health starts in the soil and want to improve their soils through recycling. I am now preparing documentation on the system. This document is in two parts. Part 1 analyses how modern food systems compromise our health and outlines my plan for a community project to help people balance their diet with home-grown produce. 

If you want to contribute your expertise to this project, please read Part 2 to understand the organisational structure. If you only want information on my fungal composting system, email me at
colinaustin@bigpond.com and I will send the documentation as it becomes available. It is free, but conditions apply to protect the integrity of the system.

Information is provided strictly for private, non-commercial use and must not be shared or publicised. Please encourage friends to contact me directly so they receive correct information and avoid the misinformation problems that occurred with Wicking Beds.