Empowering Communities with Mushroom-Based Solutions

Commodities

Practices

Issue Addressed

In underserved communities within Central Texas, access to sustainable food sources and climate resilience agriculture practices are limited. These communities often face higher environmental, social, and economic risks and lack resources such as healthy, nutrient-dense food, effective waste management, and soil health improvement.

Project Description

Since 2019, the Central Texas Mycological Society (CTMS) has led a volunteer-run, community-driven initiative to divert mushroom grow blocks (MGB) from the waste stream and upcycle them. Mushroom farmers grow culinary mushrooms on a blend of sawdust, grains, and nutrients. After the mushrooms fruit once, the MGB, usually sent to the landfill, is instead upcycled by the CTMS community. CTMS educates on extending the life of MGB by growing culinary and medicinal mushrooms, feeding animals, building fungal-rich compost, and mycoremediation. Over 12,000 individuals have signed up for the program since its inception.

Mushroom production generates substantial MGB waste, contributing to methane emissions when sent to landfills. This community-led effort diverts and upcycles over 500 tons of MGB annually. This wouldn’t be possible without our network of more than 500 volunteers, facilitating MGB collection from mushroom farms and distributing it to over 30 permanent community pick-up sites, including farms, food banks, schools, churches, nurseries, community gardens, plant stands, and homes. Additionally, MGB are given away at community and educational events held at libraries, schools, festivals, tree giveaways, plant sales, botanical gardens, and nurseries.

In 2023, CTMS conducted over 168 educational programs, reaching over 25,000 diverse participants through online and in-person sessions. These programs educate participants on mushroom cultivation techniques and block composting, mycoremediation, promoting the creation of fungal-rich soil that enhances soil health, prevents erosion, and improves water retention and nutrient levels. These initiatives prevent approximately 75% of MGB from reaching landfills.

Looking forward, CTMS seeks to expand its impact by forging new partnerships with local mushroom farms to increase block distribution, thereby bolstering community resilience. A key focus is extending education programs, training, and support to historically underserved and rural communities to empower them in upcycling MGB for environmental, economic, and social benefits.

If awarded this grant, our project will conduct 20 educational events over two years, half in EPA-designated underserved communities, to teach participants how to upcycle MGB for mushroom cultivation, mycoremediation, and building healthy, fungal-rich soil. The programs will be reinforced with bilingual digital and print materials including videos, infographics, step-by-step instructions, and FAQs.

CTMS aims to achieve zero mushroom block waste by 2027 through expanded community recycling efforts.

Conclusion

CTMS's Community Upcycling Program represents a model of community-driven environmental stewardship and circularity. By leveraging partnerships, educational outreach, and innovative recycling practices, CTMS is poised to significantly reduce MGB waste, teach how to grow culinary and medicinal mushrooms, enhance soil health, and empower diverse communities throughout Central Texas.

Mushroom Block Community Recycling Program Partners

Conduct Workshops: Host 20 hands-on workshops, half in EPA underserved communities, teaching participants how to upcycle mushroom grow blocks (MGB) to grow mushrooms, engage in mycoremediation, and build healthy, fungal-rich soil.

Provide Resources: Distribute materials and tools necessary for mushroom cultivation and soil improvement to workshop participants.

Offer Continued Support: Create and share video tutorials online to reinforce learning and provide ongoing guidance.

Increase Food Security: Empower participants to grow their own mushrooms, enhancing food security and providing a potential income source.

Improve Soil Health: Promote the use of MGB as a soil amendment, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and improving soil health.

Raise Awareness: Educate communities about the environmental and health benefits of mushroom cultivation and mycoremediation.