The soil in South Central isn’t the only fertile patch. The dirt’s everywhere!

I hope his efforts are successful. There is a lot of data that talks about what it means (psychologically) for those people who live in a food desert. Often it is about control, and what they really want is purchasing power, choices, and a sense of control. Things like community gardens are seen as an only option, not one of choice. Let’s hope that efforts such as this can change that perception within the community.

Ha, My wife and I watched this TED talk a couple of weeks ago. Certainly hope that this idea catches on, not only in the big cities, but everywhere. As @cici pointed out above, there are a whole host of other benefits outside of clean, fresh, organic food to consider.

“Funny thing about sustainability is – its got to be sustainable”

@Adam

Missed the quote, and the point—which is somewhat amazing given how well and cleverly it was delivered and from so many angles.

He said—‘it has to be sustained’’. He goes from a catchphrase/adjective/innate quality to an action. This is one key theme he also makes when talking e.g. about ‘South Central LA’, and ‘Gangsta’.

To spell it out even further, he makes it clear he’s not just talking about growing plants. WE are the soil, the composition of which needs to be improved. He helpfully show us what grows in our soil as well.

In fact, his is better still because it’s actually ‘you have to sustain it’.

So maybe I missed the point too. A little.

I’m with him 100%, and who doesn’t. Growing food and eats it is the only power each one of has it and no one else can control it. I live (temporary) in desert country in the Gulf area. Garden or landscape is unique thing to see. People (expats) are not keen to plant food, instead they plant flowers or grass. Why not since they get paid very high salary (too much money) and country “import” all vegetable and fruits from all over the world (which increase carbon foot print -disaster).

Although food is cheap, but I hate taking advantage of that while I can add value save the environment. So what I did is instead of planting flowers and keep the grass in my backyard like all my neighbor, i grow my food.

It was fantastic project for whole family, kids loves it and learning so much every day. For months (till now) we never bought cheery tomato (red, yellow & orange), beef tomato, rocket, squash, dill, ....etc. (saved money-less visit to grocery store) Not only that, my small backyard created an Eco system where doves built their nest, we have witnessed 2 generation been born and grow. Bees every where, different kind of birds hard to see them in our area. My 7 years old daughter will give speech this month at her school about growing organic food.

Taking few steps on the right path towards great value will change others to support you finishing that path with you.

@Amed. I need to correct your first statement (sort of) only because I think it’s very important that people know. It is actually illegal in several cities (Orlando and Des Moines being two) to have vegetable gardens (mostly in the front yard). Even Finley speaks of being “reported”. So, although I agree you with on the idea that growing your own food is an expression of (ultimate) control, it’s much bigger issue than I think most people realize. Policy needs to be changed. That’s why places like Chicago and Detroit are so inspiring.

Ever heard of Incredible Edible? It started in 2008 in UK and it’s growing fast across Europe and more places. Incredible Edible Todmorden project (on Wikipedia) See www.transitionnetwork.org as well

gdffddfg

Great Initiative! That is how change happens. Good documentary that talks about the problem as well – A Place at the table – http://www.magpictures.com/aplaceatthetable/

I saw this video back in March or the beginning of April and was completely inspired to start my own garden. Since then I have planted 4 varieties of tomatoes, Egg plant, cucumbers, kale, lettuce, chard, some herbs etc. I live here in Los Angeles and I am seeing a huge movement in urban farming. My neighborhood is not inner city, its middle class, 2 miles off the beach and I’m seeing people growing amazing edible gardens, raising chickens and rabbits. An example is this couple who live a few blocks away that have started a blog called www.oururbanfarm.com on the subject. Even our local government rep has 20 chickens, 2 turkeys and rabbits and he lives a few blocks away. I love what Ron Finley is doing.

Amazing and powerful! I used to live in South Central. There was a large community garden just blocks away from my home. Once upon a time L.A. city schools had gardening and agriculture classes. The benefits of growing your own food are much more than cost savings and health. Gardening teaches responsibility, patience, self pride, and more.

watched this video a few weeks ago. inspiring. the only video that i’ve watched recently that was more inspiring was this other one from TED on desertification:

http://www.ted.com/talks/allan_savory_how_to_green_the_world_s_deserts_and_reverse_climate_change.html

Nice talk. Consider how unsustainable the water supply to Los Angeles is keep those lovely gardens going.

Thanks for sharing this video ! :) Great to see those hopeful people inventing simple and powerful solutions to fight misery.