The Guerrilla Gardner

Every day we struggle with consuming the right foods. This epidemic is a worldwide problem and at time depending on whom you are listening to confusing looms. These days our foods are either filled with pesticides or other chemicals, which increase the growth process. No longer are our foods allowed to grown the natural way, as God intended.

However in South L.A. Ron Finley has found a way to help in this regard. Through is organization; LA Green Grounds Finley has been planting vegetable gardens all over South Central L.A. using some of the 26 square miles of vacant lots in his neighborhood. Recently at a TED talk in Long Beach, California Finley inspired his audience by showing them that through planting your own vegetable garden we can have healthier lives. In an effort to over come adversity Finley stuck to what he believed in, even after been given citation by the authorities for planting vegetable gardens on abandoned lots, traffic medians and on curbs and even threats form issuance of warrants for his arrest. In his efforts to be defiant and continue on his path for a healthier food source for his neighborhood, one of his organization's member started a petition on Change.org which was of great success after getting over 900 signatures. The councilman, George Lopez and a print media outlet, also endorsed their efforts.

Having their story backed by the councilman, the LA Times and George Lopez and the over 900 signatures on Change.org proved that Finley's effort are worthwhile and significant to the point of the publicity it received. Finley pointed out that L.A. leads in the United States as the city with the most vacant lots, with an estimated 26 square miles of vacant lots. In his estimation this is enough space to plant over 724,000,000 tomato plants. He further stated that the obesity rate in his neighborhood is five times higher than that of people living in Beverly Hills.

Finley's speech has helped me to have a better understanding of how important it is to eat healthy. By planting a little vegetable garden we can be economical sustainable and cost-effective. If we all follow Finley's path we can have healthier lives with in turn develop into a healthier society