What health-conscious, time-savvy consumer hasn’t purchased organic, pre-washed salad in a bag? You can thank Drew and Myra Goodman, the founders of Earthbound Farm, for the convenience. Founded in 1984 in Carmel, California, Earthbound Farm was the first company to successfully launch a packaged salad program for retail. Earthbound is now the world’s biggest producer of organic produce and specialty salads. Their mission is to change how America is farming and eating and make the organic choice viable for all farmers and consumers. Here, Myra Goodman talks about the path to get there.
Jill: Earthday is April 22nd, what ‘healing around the world’ message would you like to impart from Earthbound Farm?
Myra: At Earthbound, we are trying to let people know that choosing organic is making a positive impact for the health of the environment around the world. We are bound to this earth for our existence. Therefore, we need to take care of it, live smartly, and recognize that our resources are finite. We need to be aware of the repercussions for our actions. That’s why organic is sustainable farming because it is sustainable for the future. You are buying food that was grown without toxic and persistant chemicals which completely pollute our environment and will eventually affect our health and our whole ecosystem. Choosing organic is taking care of yourself and taking care of the planet.
Jill: What’s a favorite statistic about Earthbound’s positive impact on healing?
Myra: At Earthbound Farms’ 22,000 acres, we are keeping 380,000 pounds of toxic pesticides out of the environment a year by farming organically.
Jill: You’re a firm believer in supporting a healthy life for every creature on earth.
Myra: Yes, certainly, if you’re going to eat any kind of animal product, when you buy organic, you are buying a product that comes from humanely-raised animals that have experienced a good life. When you look at mad cow disease and how these diseases are spreading from this economy, where they’re trying to make everything most efficient and feeding cows other ground up cows, that is so unnatural. I think karmically speaking the commitment to eat organic meat is a commitment to make sure that every living being is being honored.
Jill: What do you do to relax?
Myra: For the last ten years I’ve been involved in a meditation group on Tuesday nights. It’s my time to calm down and put everything in perspective. When you do have a regular meditation practice, there is a state of calmness that you become familiar with. Later when you see that you’re stressed and overreacting to things, you can access that calm place inside of you much quicker from having meditation practice.
Jill: Do you enjoy any pampering?
Myra: I do. I think rejuvenation is very important. It’s not a good idea to wear yourself out until you collapse. We have ‘Massage Mondays’ at the house every other week. A masseuse comes and even the kids get massages. They’re very active in sports and have sore spots.
Jill: Any favorite spas?
Myra: Last year we were at the new Golden Door Spa at The Boulders in Phoenix and I loved it. Canyon Ranch in Tucson has amazing workshops and therapists, I had life-changing experiences there. I go to the spa at Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley with my girlfriends for our birthdays, and I always get their stone massage with Michael.
By Jill Daniel
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