Green and Behind Bars: Research and Training for Inmates

by Kim, July 13, 2009 at 10:17am

No matter what you think about our prison system, it's hard to argue about our burgeoning correctional facilities as being anything other than a huge use of resources, producing little in return. That may be changing as these provinces of orange jumpsuits begin to go green. Whether it's green jobs for female inmates in Iowa or inmates raising and studying endangered frog species in Seattle, channeling the energy of people with lots of time on their hands into green pursuits seems like a win-win situation. One of the decisive factors in mobilizing the US economy in WWII was the growth of the female workforce: a previously ignored resource was discovered and channeled for the good of the whole country, just like the Victory Gardens. Maybe our prisons are another discounted resource that can help our economy. Of course, in the best of worlds, the US wouldn't have the highest incarceration rate in the world, but giving people access to meaningful work while inside will ultimately serve everyone better once they're on the outside.

Watch the inspiring video below about the environmental research one inmate is undertaking.

(Via: MoJo Blue Marble)