Episode 52

Backyard Farming

Linda Borghi

Linda Borghi wants to turn the tide on the industrial/agricultural system by building a movement around backyard farming.

The problem with the agriculture industry is that we are dependent on it, she says. So, with the help of some friends, Linda is launching an online webinar series that aims to teach people how to “Farm-a-Yard” to meet their own family’s food needs or to generate $75,000 on a half acre of land in a 22 week season.

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Like me, lots of folks sign up for a permaculture design course to improve their gardening techniques and learn about how to heal our planet.

However students quickly learn that permaculture is actually a new way of solving problems – virtually all problems – by using nature-tested methodologies.

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Zero waste proponents place much of the blame for the Earth’s current woes on our “throw-away” society.

They have a point. Our focus on consumerism, resource commodification and materialism has certainly done a number on the ecology.

But what if humans could shift away from this mindset?

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What would life be like if we created no trash? No packages to throw away, everything that can be recycled is.  What would the grocery store look like?  How about fast food restaurants? How would…

Joel Zaslofsky on Simple LivingWhat is simple living and why are so many folks ditching the traditional American dream in pursuit of it?  Joel Zaslofsky of Smart and Simple Matters podcast joins me, Jenise, for a chat on the topic.

Joel shares about his transition from “working in the money industry purely for money” to embracing a simpler, more intentional life. He shares a bit about his average day now compared to then; his podcast, Smart and Simple Matters; and SimpleREV which helps people connect in-person about slowing down, being grateful, and nerding out about the simple life.

Making the Switch

For Joel, the switch wasn’t easy.  But learning that he was about to become a dad for the first time, kick-started him along the path.  How many of us began to feel the urge to make these changes when we became parents?  I know that becoming a mom was a real turning point for me.  But the journey to living a life that is mostly congruent with what my heart is saying, took a lot longer in my case.

And what is simple living all about?  Well according to Joel it’s, “homesteading, sustainability, meditation, mindfulness, minimalism, yoga, transition towns, tiny houses, slow food, slow parenting and more.

Joel Zaslofsky on Simple LivingAn Intentional Life

“I think the thread that runs through it for all these people is they want to live a more intentional life; they want to be more grateful; they want to see the world as an abundant place as opposed to a scarce place; they want to show compassion and patience and kindness,” says Joel, “..but for me its about loving the concept of enough.”

Intentional living – that sums it up for me too, Joel.  What a pleasure it was to meet this kindred spirit.  I think you will agree.

For a few ideas on steps you can take toward a more simple, intentional life, check out these 7 Steps to Start You on the Path to Simple Living.

 

d8421f97-5ff7-4597-8f20-7e070248db00When Greg Jensen and his wife and four boys moved to Guatemala to start a trail running business, they had no idea it would lead to building self-sufficiency in the local population. But now Mayan Eco Homestead is having a powerful impact in a place rated as the fourth highest chronically malnourished country in the world.

In this interview, Greg shares his story with Marianne. Like so many of us, the Jensens had begun to find modern life unfulfilling. But taking a risk by moving so far away sparked new passions and a yearning to help their new neighbors.

Learn how they found the life they were looking for, and in so doing, began helping others to lead healthier, more self-sufficient and empowered lives.