TED 2013: Ron Finley on making guerrilla gardens in South-Central

By Chris O’Brien

March 7, 2013 12 AM PT

Think innovation, and the first thing that usually comes to mind is the technology industry. But, of course, you can be innovative in just about anything you do, which is just what the TED conference aims to celebrate.

Last week, Los Angeles artist Ron Finley took the stage to talk about why he embraced urban farming and how he hopes it will transform South-Central Los Angeles’ health and eating patterns. TED posted his talk this week.

QUIZ: How much do you know about Google?

According to a summary from TED:

“Ron Finley plants vegetable gardens in South-Central L.A. -- in abandoned lots, traffic medians, along the curbs. Why? For fun, for defiance, for beauty and to offer some alternative to fast food in a community where ‘the drive-thrus are killing more people than the drive-bys.’

“Ron Finley grows a nourishing food culture in South-Central L.A.’s food desert by planting the seeds and tools for healthy eating.”

Finley sums up South-Central as a “food desert” composed of: “Liquor stores. Fast food. Vacant lots.” The result is unhealthy eating and high obesity rates.

The rest of his talk is here: