Change The Name Campaign
An educational icebreaker communicating the benefits of soil health disguised as a crazy campaign led by a crazy scientist!
What is plant ‘litter’?
Litter is dead plant material found in our crops, pastures, grasslands and woodlands. The trillions of soil macro and micro fauna beneath our feet eat litter and then eat each other, driving the cycles of the soil food web. This process is called decomposition - and it creates valuable soil organic matter which holds onto moisture, sequesters carbon and cycles (free!) nutrients back to plants. Litter is a key component of building healthy soil and enabling the functioning of the major biogeochemical cycles (water, carbon and nutrient) in our landscapes. It also acts as a groundcover, preventing erosion and creating a microclimate for soil life and plants in our increasingly dry climate.
How often do you see this information presented as boring slide shows?
For farmers in particular scientific presentations can go in one ear and out the other.
‘Change the Name’ aims to communicate the science of soil health as fun and accessible conversations.
Throughout 2025 and 2026, Imogen (agroecologist and campaign director) is attending agricultural field days, farmer events and conferences all over Australia on her wild campaign to change the name of plant litter.
She’s doing it for the plants! How would you feel if someone described your nutrient and carbon rich deceased body parts as ‘rubbish’?
Surely there is a better name that describes all of its wonderful benefits for soil and landscape health?
Imogen needs your help! Drop by her stall, sign the petition and most importantly - SUGGEST A NEW NAME!
At each event her board fills up with suggestions, and your can even wear yours around on your personalised ‘Change The Name-TAG’… by the end of the event everyone will be talking about litter!
New names for litter will be collected and documented (including photos, videos and testimonials) on the campaign website changethenamelitter.com.
If you are interested in hosting Change the Name at your event, please get in touch!
This project is also looking for financial supporters. If you are interested in making a donation and want to hear more about it please reach out to Imogen.
Calendar of Events
Tocal Field Days, 2 - 4th May 2025
Mudgee Small Farms Field Days, 11 & 12th July, 2025
