Urban Conversion

Gina's community garden inspires a family trip to the historic gardens of Thomas Jefferson at Monticello followed by a visit to the First Lady's kitchen garden guided by White House chef, Sam Kass.

Beginning a journey to reduce his family's carbon footprint, Rodman Schley explores the world of backyard farming with urban agriculture guru Sundari Kraft. He finds himself out of his element milking goats, taking care of chickens and learning how to use natural fertilizer to sustain a backyard ecosystem.

Gina’s desire to get her own backyard bee hive sends Rodman seeking advice from Holistic bee keeper, Corwin Bell. Corwin teaches Rodman the importance of bees in agriculture and why backyard beekeeping is not only doable, but how bee stewardship is important to our global future.

Could an alternatively fueled car be in Rodman's future? Rodman learns what's down the road for Hydrogen fuels, gets his hands dirty collecting bio diesel, and is shocked to learn about a mechanical shop that converts classic cars to electric.

Rodman goes back to school to learn how one campus is leading the way towards sustainability in higher education. He will be living, learning and putting one up for the home team as a "non-traditional" student.

Rodman sees first-hand the positive effects of urban farming as it shapes a new identity for the Detroit community. Leading the way is Taja Seville and Urban Farming, who takes him into the city to see where hope is springing up from vacant lots and community run programs.

Gina, forever hopeful that Rodman will embrace a sustainable lifestyle encourages Rodman to find a hobby. Rodman discovers the hands on fun, art, process and warmth found in the home brewing community.

Date night at a farm to table restaurant sends Rodman and Gina on a mission to follow their food back to its roots, volunteering at a local organic market farm. While putting their hands to the dirt, they go beyond the buzzwords to see what goes into local, bio diverse, organic growing. The reward? A farm dinner that reminds them food is about community.