Compost Culture: Building Soil, Sustainability, and Social Impact with Shota Austin

Show Notes:

In this down-to-earth episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon speaks with Shota Austin, Arizona native, composting expert, and treasurer of the Arizona Compost Council. Representing Tanks Green Stuff in Tucson, Shota shares how composting isn’t just about waste management—it's a vital tool for rebuilding soils, conserving water, and creating a circular, climate-smart future. This episode is rich with real-world insights, community-driven strategies, and hopeful action.

Why Listen?

At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe “We’ve all taken a bite out of the apple”—we share in the responsibility and the opportunity for change. This episode empowers listeners to close the gap between information and action and leave a lasting social footprint through regenerative agriculture and composting.

Key Highlights:

• 00:02:20 – From Farm to Compost Expert
  Shota shares how growing up farming in Arizona and working with UA Compost Cats kickstarted his composting journey.
• 00:03:22 – What Is Tanks Green Stuff?
  The origin story of Tanks Green Stuff and their transition from land reclamation to high-quality compost production.
• 00:05:35 – Clean Green Feedstock
  Why clean landscape waste (no palm, cactus, or trash) is essential for premium compost.
• 00:06:44 – Composting Culture & Contamination
  From Japan to Arizona—how cultural norms impact recycling and compost habits.
• 00:10:39 – Manure or No Manure?
  Tanks offers compost with and without organic dairy manure, based on community feedback.
• 00:11:44 – Why No Food Waste?
  The permitting and infrastructure barriers to food waste composting in Arizona.
• 00:12:29 – Trucking Costs and the Scale Dilemma
  Shota discusses the challenge of distributing compost in large-scale agriculture.
• 00:13:12 – Organic Matter is Everything
  Mike and Shota explore the critical role of organic matter in desert soils for water retention and plant health.
• 00:14:12 – Why Compost?
  Compost mimics forest floor ecosystems and helps crops fight pests, retain water, and increase nutrient uptake.
• 00:19:05 – Advice for Aspiring Composters
  Join your local compost council and start with education. Every region has unique challenges and opportunities.
• 00:21:12 – Arizona Compost Council’s Mission
  Formed in 2024, its goal is to raise awareness, push for smart policies, and build infrastructure for compost access.
• 00:23:29 – Composting as Climate Action
  Why composting is a regenerative solution to rebuild topsoil and reduce emissions from hauling and fertilizer overuse.
• 00:25:41 – Compost Saves Water
  Compost helps Arizona farmers reduce water usage by up to 50%—a game-changer in the desert.
• 00:29:38 – First Policy Initiative
  The AZ Compost Council’s inaugural policy paper: using compost to reduce water waste in agriculture and landscapes.
• 00:30:42 – “Why Bother?”
  Shota’s answer: “If you’re going to work for a wage, might as well do something that can make change.”

Links:

• Tanks Green Stuff
• Arizona Compost Council
• Urban Farming Education
• Harvesting Wisdom YouTube Channel

#CompostCulture #SoilHealth #SustainableFarming #ClimateSmart #ArizonaComposting #UrbanFarmingEducation #HarvestingWisdom #RegenerativeAgriculture #TanksGreenStuff #ShodaAustin