Turning Food Waste into Community Power | Monique Figueiredo | Founder of Compostable LA

Monique “Mo” Figueiredo never planned to be an entrepreneur, but her passion for composting turned into CompostableLA, a thriving community-based composting company. She’s on a mission to change how Los Angeles handles food waste. She wants to show that composting isn’t just good for the planet, it’s essential for food sovereignty, environmental justice, and economic health. Mo shares why waste is a human invention, how composting can restore farmable soil, and why growing your own food should be a right, not a privilege. She explains how her work connects climate solutions to community resilience, and offers practical steps for reducing waste at home. This is a must-listen for anyone ready to reimagine how we handle resources and build a more sustainable future. Chapters: 00:00 – From Sustainability Student to Compost Entrepreneur 05:40 – Why Sorting Is the Key to Reducing Contamination 06:57 – Composting as the Most Accessible Climate Solution 09:06 – Seeing Waste as a Resource, Not Trash 14:40 – How Current Agriculture Threatens Our Soil Supply 18:00 – Farmers Farm Soil, Not Just Food 22:00 – Why Growing Your Own Food Is a Human Right 28:32 – Learning from Leaders at Soul Fire Farm 33:00 – Composting as a Tool for Environmental Justice 38:00 – The Role of Community Composters in Local Change 42:00 – How to Start Composting at Home or in Your Neighborhood 47:00 – Building Economic Health Through Resource Recovery 52:08 – Redefining Power and Leadership in Sustainability The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices