Luis Chen and Wormies: Empowering Communities Through Climate-Smart Agriculture and Composting

Sustainability Associate Hanna De La Vega Sanchez recently sat down with Luis Chen as part of the Forum’s monthly Spanish-language sustainability series on La Ponderosa Radio in Grand Rapids. (Una versión en español de esta publicación está disponible aquí).

For Luis Chen, founder of Wormies, sustainability is not just an environmental goal it’s a social and economic mission. Through his Latino-owned composting business in Grand Rapids, Luis transforms food waste from homes and businesses into nutrient-rich compost, demonstrating how small, community-driven enterprises can drive meaningful change.

“Sustainability isn’t just environmental, it’s economic and social,” Luis explained. “Wormies shows that composting can reduce methane emissions, restore soil health, and support resilient local agriculture.” His work embodies climate-smart agriculture, using regenerative methods that reduce emissions, adapt to extreme weather, and ensure long-term food security.

Hanna De la Vega of the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MiSBF) highlighted how organizations like hers support BIPOC-owned businesses by connecting them to grants, networks, and sustainability resources. Programs such as the Farm Bill and partnerships with the Wege Foundation help businesses adopt climate-smart practices that benefit both communities and the environment.

Luis also emphasized the importance of representation in sustainability, encouraging underrepresented communities to engage in environmental innovation. The discussion explored actionable steps: businesses can compost and source climate-smart ingredients, communities can support local programs, and consumers can choose products from companies aligned with ecological and social responsibility.

Looking ahead, both Luis and Hanna see community-driven composting and regenerative agriculture as essential building blocks for a more equitable, climate-smart food system in Michigan and beyond.

Listen to the segment below in Spanish:

Luis shares about composting and climate solutions.

Discussion about Luis being a Latino business owner and the community impact and representation he has. We conclude with ways to get involved.