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With every bite you take, you can make the world a better place | Chris Chmiel | TEDxStroudsRun

2,715 views · Published 27 November 2018 · 14:26 · Indexed 22 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2018 · Nonprofits & Activism

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Chris Chmiel of Appalachian Ohio discusses the opportunity for people to be conscious food consumers. He describes the current state of agriculture and how it is contributing to many economic, social and environmental problems. He then highlights how sustainable food production that is more in harmony with nature is the solution. He speaks of his personal experiences with this type of farming, provides evidence supporting his claims, and then issues a compelling call for action. Chris attended Ohio University from 1988-1992 and designed his own major called "Wholistic Transition to Sustainability". A while after graduation Chris and his partner Michelle purchased a property in this area, made gardens, planted trees and built a passive solar house with a tire foundation.  

They then started Integration Acres Ltd in hopes of developing a right livelihood. Integration Acres has now been making farmstead goat cheese for 11 years. Pawpaws, North America's largest native tree fruit, became a major focus. This led to the creation of the annual Ohio Pawpaw Festival in 1999 and a line of specialty pawpaw food products. Currently Integration Acres is the world's largest pawpaw processor.

In 2012 Chris became an Athens County Commissioner and is now in his 6th year. In this roll he has focused on improving the Athens Hocking Recycling Center, helped develop the SE Ohio Public Energy Council and helped create the Athens County Land Bank. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

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