Episode 201: Best of Season One – Inspiring PEOPLE
Welcome to season two of Growing a Greener World. We have come a long way since the pilot episode and we’ve (literally) covered a lot of ground. In bringing you 26 episodes in the first year, we traveled to 36 cities across 18 states in eight months. During our time on the road, we met some pretty incredible people. If you’re new to our series, allow us to give you taste of what it’s all about through the people we meet and their incredible stories. If you’re an old friend, you’ll enjoy revisiting four of our fan favorites. They typify the people we feature making a real difference in growing a greener world!
Mary Seton Corboy – Greensgrow Farms, Philadelphia, PA
Greensgrow opens its doors for their Fall Festival sponsored by Subaru
For some, urban agriculture might seem like a new idea. But for the people at Greensgrow Farm, it’s been their work and way of life for over 10 years. What was once a thriving galvanized steel plant, was eventually abandoned as an industrial brown field—hardly the kind of place you’d imagine for growing edible plants— But then again, most people don’t have the entrepreneurial vision of Greensgrow’s co-founder, Mary Seaton Corboy!
About 3 miles north from the Downtown skyscrapers of Philadelphia and tucked within densely packed row houses lies this pioneering urban farm. It provides locally grown food for a community that often has little while managing to survive as a profitable business in the process. In the 10 short years Corboy has poured her life into this place, her impact now reaches far beyond this one-acre lot.
This is an inspiring story one person’s vision, determination and dedication to sustainability that shows just how much can be accomplished on such a small plot of land. From the nursery to the Farm Market, the community supported agriculture co-op program and even the Community Kitchen, Mary and her small but dedicated staff at Greensgrow touch the lives of so many. Along the way they have become the national model of urban farming.
Watch the entire episode from season one here – Episode 118: GreensGrow Farms with Mary Seton Corboy
For more information
Darren Joffe, AKA: “Farmer D” – Atlanta, GA
Daron introduces Joe to very tasty radish seed pods at Serenbe Farms in GA
Whatever image comes to mind when I say farmer – you can forget it. This segment showcases one individual that represents a new generation of farmer, with a thumb far greener than any of its predecessors. These new farmers live to make a difference in the world through their passion for the earth and the natural methods that can save it. Their work applies to gardens of any size but the goal is the same—to save resources, reduce chemicals, promote sustainability and create a healthier planet for all.
But who are the people bringing these progressive ideas from revolutionary dream into reality? Known everywhere as Farmer D, in this segment, we feature Darren Joffe; a new face on an old practice.
Watch the entire episode from season one here – Episode 111: Farmer D
For more information
- Farmer D
- Understanding Biodynamics
- Serenbe Farms
- See more videos of Daron on Mother Nature Network
Will Allen – Growing Power, Milwaukee, WI
Conceived to provide teens with jobs, Growing Power also feeds the community
Less than half a mile from Milwaukee’s largest public housing project lies a small two acre urban farm that’s cultivating a lot more than edible plants. Known as Growing Power, this farm has blossomed into a national nonprofit organization with global acclaim and a commitment to sustainable food systems. The co-founder and man behind this idea factory is Will Allen. Today, his low cost farming methods produce year-round food, while dishing out ideas to people around the world.
Growing Power’s story came to life in 1993 on this small plot of land less than half a mile from Milwaukee’s largest public housing project. Along came Will Allen; a man returning to his farming roots, who happened to be looking for a place to grow food indoors during the winter and sell it closer intown. With no formal plan, he told the city he’d hire kids in need of work and teach them about food systems, and to grow food for their community. The rest is history. Today, Growing Power is considered to be the leading urban agricultural project in the United States and Will Allen, the hottest go-to guy in urban farming.
Watch the entire episode from season one here – Episode 105: Growing Power with Will Allen
For more information
Maria Rodale – The Rodale Institute and Rodale, Inc.
Maria Rodale with Joe Lamp'l
Thanks to more interest in taking care of the health of our planet and ourselves, the term “organic” has become a lot more common, even chic in many cases. Consumers are waking up to the potential hazards of using synthetic chemicals as a shortcut to growing that perfect-looking vegetable or plant. Unfortunately, the impact to our environment and our health is now more clearly understood and those consequences have us taking a second look at how we farm and garden…and even at the decisions we make in our everyday lives.
For the Rodale family in rural Pennsylvania, the writing was already on the wall back in the early 1940s. One man’s devotion to organic agriculture and healthy living has evolved into the world’s leading multimedia company with a focus on his dedication to restoring a healthy planet. Almost 70 years later, granddaughter and CEO, Maria Rodale, along with her daughter Maya, are working harder than ever to advance that mission. This segment showcases part of Maria’s story and inspires us all to make a difference.
Watch the entire episode from season one here – Episode 123: The Rodale Institute
For more information:
- Joe’s podcast with Maria Rodale
- Rodale Institute
- Rodale Inc.
- Organic Manifesto
- Maria’s Farm Country Kitchen
- J I Rodale bio
In this episode, Chef Nathan Lyon also serves up an amazing Roast Pork Tenderloin with Spiced Applesauce.
On the next episode of Growing a Greener World (#202), we bring you a similar format sharing some of the most inspiring and memorable places of season one. You won’t want to miss it!
