Pashon Murray - Bailey McGrath

INTERVIEW BY BAILEY MCGRATH PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARLA CONRAD
Pashon
Murray
Entrepreneur and cofounder of Detroit Dirt, Pashon Murray
doesn’t let anything go to waste. In fact, turning waste
products into nutrient-rich compost is her passion, and
her company’s mission reflects that. Detroit Dirt aims to
build a foundation of sustainability in the city by diverting
restaurant scraps, manure, and other organic materials from
landfills and turning them into a fruitful product. Pashon
became the face of Ford’s “Upside” commercial in March
2014, has helped start urban community gardens in Detroit,
and is working with MIT to create soil variations. We caught
up with her to find out more.
Why should I start composting?
It helps to combat global warming. It benefits us all socially,
economically, and is environmentally benefiting. It’s also a
resource you can use to grow your own food.
Can you explain the difference between cold and
hot composting?
Cold composting requires minimal effort but may take a
year or two before it produces compost you can use in your
garden. Hot composting is faster but requires attention to
keep carbon and nitrogen in the optimum ratio.
What can I do with all this compost?
Utilize it to grow food and help the community by
growing local gardens.
Your business, Detroit Dirt, has built a foundation
of sustainability in the city. What continues to
inspire your vision?
People wanting to grow food, and it’s a lifelong
commitment of wanting to divert waste from the landfills.
People that are wanting to participate in my composting
programs have been very inspiring, along with the
recognition of the United Nations selecting me as one
of top 10 women entrepreneurs of 2015.
We loved your debut in the Ford commercial. Has
that helped you spread your message further?
Yes, it’s opened up a lot of opportunities, such as speaking
engagements, and helped me build a platform to be able
to continue to spread the message. It’s also helped me get
more business and has given me a global platform.
What are your plans for Detroit Dirt?
We want to create products, build stronger networks
for composting, and encourage research development
and education.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, SEE RESOURCES ON PAGE 127.
Easy Garden Projects™ (ISSN 2377-9535), 2015. Easy Garden Projects is published annually in May by Meredith Corp., 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. In Canada: Mailed under Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069223. Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT.
Better Homes and Gardens is a registered trademark in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Better Homes and Gardens marca registrada en México. © Meredith Corp. 2015. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.
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