Growing a Greener World Season 7 Episode 2 Regenerating Detroit Through Urban Gardening

Regenerating Detroit Through Urban Gardening is the title of season 7, episode 2 of the show Growing a Greener World. In this episode, the host Joe Lamp'l travels to Detroit to explore how urban gardening is transforming the city. Detroit is a city that has suffered from economic decline and population loss, which has left many areas of the city vacant. However, a growing number of residents are turning these empty lots into community gardens, which are not only providing fresh produce but are also building stronger communities.

Joe meets with a variety of people involved in Detroit’s urban gardening movement, including La’Quala, a resident of the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood who started a garden on a vacant lot with the help of her husband and neighbors. La’Quala explains how the garden has brought people together and provided fresh produce for the community. Joe also visits the Michigan Urban Farming Initiative (MUFI), which is a nonprofit that has transformed three acres of vacant land in Detroit into a thriving urban farm. MUFI grows a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as raising bees and chickens. Their produce is sold at local farmers’ markets and distributed to local food banks.

In addition to providing fresh produce, urban gardening is also helping to revitalize Detroit’s neighborhoods. Joe meets with representatives from the Detroit Future City (DFC) organization, which has a plan to transform 24,000 vacant lots into green spaces over the next five years. These green spaces will include community gardens, parks, and other public spaces. DFC’s goal is not only to beautify the city but also to create economic opportunities for Detroit residents, such as selling produce at farmers’ markets.

Joe also visits the Earthworks Urban Farm, which is a project of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. The farm grows over 30 different fruits and vegetables and is run by volunteers. The produce is sold at local farmers’ markets, and the farm also teaches local residents how to grow their own food through classes and workshops.

Throughout the episode, Joe highlights the many benefits of urban gardening, such as providing fresh produce, building strong communities, and improving the local environment. He also explains how anyone, regardless of their level of experience, can start their own garden, whether it’s on a small balcony or a larger suburban lot.

Regenerating Detroit Through Urban Gardening showcases how a simple idea can transform a city. By growing their own food, Detroit residents are taking control of their food supply and creating a more sustainable future. The episode is an inspiration for anyone who wants to make a difference in their community and improve their own health and well-being.