Earth Day is celebrated every year in April and we would like to highlight some of the Downtown Rogers businesses that are making efforts to reduce the impact they are having on our environment. One such effort is Honeycomb Kitchen Shop’s partnership with Ozark Compost & Swap (OC & S) to collect food waste from their cooking classes to be used for composting. Ozark Compost & Swap is on a mission to make composting mainstream by providing an approachable and fun residential compost pick up service. "Ozark Compost has been such an amazing partner," shared Melissa Turpin, co-owner of Honeycomb Kitchen Shop. "We encourage all of our customers to compost through OC & S." 

Turpin and business partner, Dana Smith, started conversations with Ricky Ludeman, owner of OC & S last fall.  "I would say we really got going in November," explained Turpin. "We started placing small compost containers on each of our workstations so customers could dispose of their scraps while creating recipes."  After the classes ended, the Honeycomb staff put any remaining prepared food waste in the OC containers for Ludeman's team pick up each week.  "We made it a 2023 goal to try and become a more sustainable business, from reusing packaging materials for shipping to composting, and this is definitely the biggest way we have been able to do so thus far," reflected Turpin.  

Here are a few reasons Honeycomb Kitchen Shop is committed to composting: 

• Organic materials in landfills produce greenhouse gases, which are harmful for the environment. 
• Composting food waste with a business like OC & S means we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Compost is healthy for soil and can help with reforestation and wetlands restoration by improving contaminated and marginal soils.  
• Compost used in food production produces higher agricultural yields.
• Compost reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

"These important issues that I don’t think most people necessarily think about on a large scale," explained Turpin. "I think they figure it’s just good for their own gardens, but we can do more and do better for the environment by utilizing businesses like Ozark Compost & Swap."

Honeycomb Kitchen Shop and Natural State Beverage Company are just two of the Downtown Businesses that have used Ludeman's compost collection services. Other include:  Arvest, Verdant Studios and Ozark Beer Company. 

Natural State Beverage Company, a Downtown Rogers manufacturer of nonalcoholic, low sugar and caffeine free drink options, is also committed to not only producing high-quality beverages, but also minimizing their impact on the environment. One way they are working towards this goal is by utilizing composting services to divert their organic waste. They are also working with Ozark Compost and Swap for their commercial compost pick up. By using their services, they can divert waste from landfills and turn it into a nutrient- rich soil amendment. This process, helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve natural resources, and promote a healthier planet. 

"As a beverage company, it’s important for us to set an example for others in our industry and our local community by prioritizing sustainability and taking action to reduce our environmental impact," explained Krista Cloud, co-owner of Natural State Beverage Company. "By implementing composting services, we hope to demonstrate our commitment to responsible practices and inspire others to do the same," she continued. "Through these efforts, we are not only crafting delicious drinks, but also helping to create a more sustainable future for us all."

Last year Natural State Beverage Company diverted 800 lbs. of food waste from land fills and so far this year they have diverted more than 200 lbs. using the services of Ozark Compost & Swap. 

Honeycomb Kitchen Shop and Natural State Beverage Company are just two of the Downtown Businesses that have used Ludeman's compost collection services. Other include:  Arvest, Verdant Studios and Ozark Beer Company. 

Railyard Entertainment District business participants also contribute to a sustainable environment using compostable cups to serve to-go alcoholic drinks. When properly disposed of, patrons deposit the cups in the cup collectors mounted on light poles and posts throughout the district. Two Rogers businesses facilitate this process. Food Loops is a distributor of Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA) cups throughout NW Arkansas including Downtown Rogers and Food Recycling Solutions collects cups which are turned into compost in Fayetteville.

Businesses that participate in the Railyard Entertainment District include: Club Frisco, Havana Tropical Grill, Nola's Pantry, Ozark Beer Company, Yeyo's Mezcaleria y Taqueria, Pinky Swear, Onyx Coffee Lab, The Shire Gastropub, OZ Smokehouse, B List On The Bricks, Arkansas Public Theatre at the Victory Theater, Parkside Public, The 120 Tapas Bar, baked by kori, The Five6, Blu DTR, The Rail Pizza Company, Levi's Gastrolounge, Iron Horse Coffee Company, Las Palmas, TxAR House, and Railyard Live/Butterfield Stage.

Keep in mind, the benefit to the environment is gained when customers use the cup collectors to dispose of the compostable cups! We encourage you to support Downtown Rogers businesses that are adding to the vibrancy of Downtown Rogers, enjoy the offerings made available in the Entertainment District, and remember to dispose of your compostable cups in the cup collectors.  

Why it matters: Communities thrive when companies care. One mission of the Rogers Lowell Chamber is to showcase why Downtown Rogers is an ideal place to conduct business, raise a family and enjoy quality of life amenities. Celebrating locally owned businesses who care about community and our environment supports these entrepreneurs and illustrates the commitment among locally owned businesses, the chamber and the community.