Food waste is the single most common material landfilled and incinerated in the US. Composting is one of the most powerful ways of diverting food waste from going to landfill, yet 73% of the US population does not have access to a municipal composting program in their city. Designed for outdoor spaces of any size, the Mycoto composting system encourages users to reduce their food waste by composting at home and using the composted material to grow food.
Mycoto features a set of terracotta pots that are used for the aerobic composting process. Fresh food scraps are placed in the top pot which can be swapped with the second when full. When the compost is complete, it is transferred to the lower pot where it can be used to grow food such as mushrooms or microgreens, or can be stored for later use. By enabling participation in the full food production and food waste process, Mycoto encourages users to get their hands dirty to learn about where their food comes from and become more conscious of their food waste.
Terracotta’s natural properties make it a perfect choice for both composting and growing plants. Its porous nature allows for air circulation and its insulating properties hold in warmth, creating the ideal composting environment. As decomposers, mushrooms also thrive in this environment, and can be cultivated in the lower pot using the nutrient-rich compost that is produced.