In L.A., you can now use city land for a free vegetable garden

When Ron Finley received an arrest warrant for planting vegetables in front of his house, he decided to take a stand. A member of his gardening group, Green Grounds, started a petition and gathered the community to take action. The Los Angeles Times picked up the story and then he started to get global attention.

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The city council also took notice and the warrant was revoked. Now, the policy has been changed and under a new law, the city will allow free gardens next to sidewalks.

“It’s about you changing your life and being responsible for your health, and for your community. It’s you taking a stand that this is mine,” said Finley. “We’ve basically been enslaved by food companies, and they’re killing us slowly. There’s other means and other ways to supply food.”

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Not only does it improve the morale and the health of the community, but, according to Finley, “It’s walking outside your door and being greeted by hummingbirds and dragonflies and bees, and a green, healthy ecosystem.”

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Finley delivers a powerful TED talk, outlining his strategies and actions for a greener city.

For more information on Ron Finley and what he does, check out his website here.

*Article originally appeared at Complete Health and Happiness.