Jordan Tony and Silvan Goddin, largely inspired by the proficiency of indigineous peoples who first thrived off the land, challenged themselves to go one week of eating exclusively by means of hunting, growing and/or foraging in 2016. The pair was living in a small apartment in Pennsylvania with a small community garden plot at the time. By the end of the week, they found themselves confronted by a harsh reality of going hungry and dreaming of junk food. What was meant to be a week-long challenge turned into a completely new way of living for them; the two have since dedicated the last six years to developing skills in making nutritious and filling meals made from only ingredients they produce or gather themselves.
The couple has amassed a large social media presence, with over 200,000 TikTok followers and 1,000 YouTube subscribers. They use their platforms to educate the public on how to successfully sustain a more waste-free and environmentally conscious kitchen. The couple strives to help individuals build a deeper relationship with food coming from the land you live on. Their TikTok page answers common questions, shares homegrown how-to videos and educational clips on living off the land. Their website offers a monthly newsletter, as well as an abundance of delicious recipes. The meals regularly consist of fungi, fish, meat, and plants from their garden. Though they do hunt to support their lifestyle, it is not a requirement; they share many meat-free recipes, as well as canning tips and tricks.
There is an assumption that one must live off the grid in order to have a sustainable lifestyle; that sustainability is all-encompassing and must be involved in every element of your life. This couple encourages people to take steps toward sustainability in smaller, more accessible ways. Tony and Goddin do not live this way 24/7, but take week or month long challenges to experiment with how long they can maintain an entirely zero-waste lifestyle. Their content is encouraging to those who are intimidated by or typically see their surroundings as unequip for the homestead way of life. The couple broadcasts that you do not have to live off the grid or change every aspect of your life to responsibility life off the land. There does not have to be a dramatic life shift to incorporate zero-waste practices into your kitchen; you can start small and build your way up.
Keep up with the couple online:
Wesbite: https://homegrownhandgathered.com
TikTok: @homegrown_handgathered
Youtube: Homegrown Handgathered
