In a groundbreaking collaboration between cannabis industry professionals and urban agriculture advocates, Green Team is making significant strides in community wellness and neighborhood revitalization. The Seattle-based nonprofit has developed a unique volunteer program that leverages the skills and passion of cannabis industry workers to support local gardening and green space restoration projects.
Founders Sarah Mitchell and Marcus Rodriguez recognized an opportunity to channel the community-oriented ethos of the cannabis wellness sector into tangible neighborhood improvements. Their program matches cannabis industry employees with community garden sites, providing skilled labor, horticultural expertise, and sustainable agricultural knowledge.
"We're demonstrating that the cannabis community is deeply committed to local sustainability and community health," says Rodriguez. The initiative has already transformed three underutilized urban lots in the Central District and West Seattle into thriving community gardens that provide fresh produce for local food banks and create gathering spaces for neighborhood residents.
Volunteers contribute everything from soil preparation and planting to irrigation system design and organic pest management. The program has engaged over 50 volunteers from dispensaries, cultivation centers, and wellness clinics across the greater Seattle area.
Local urban agriculture expert Dr. Elena Rodriguez notes that such community-driven initiatives are crucial for building resilient neighborhood ecosystems. "These gardens do more than grow vegetablesβthey grow community connections and provide educational opportunities about sustainable agriculture," she explains.
Green Team's approach represents an emerging trend of social responsibility within the cannabis industry, demonstrating how professional networks can create meaningful community impact. As they continue expanding their program, they're proving that wellness extends far beyond individual healthβit's about nurturing entire communities.