With more than 2 million people in the nation’s prisons and jails, the U.S. leads the world in incarceration. About one-third of people released from prison will return at some point in their lives.

A former prisoner and horticulture specialist, Chris Burroughs, believes organic farming can help disrupt the cycle of recidivism.

“These plants, they don’t judge,” said Burroughs.

An unlikely spokesman for sustainability, he’s recruiting new members for the veg-o-lution.

“All you have to do with nature is expose someone to it, and they’ll receive the bounty that nature is going to give them,” said Burroughs.

Founder of Garden 31, his organic farming operation empowers at-risk individuals to create their own food systems. Providing career training and educational experiences, they’re also enhancing environmental health.

The team has a 12-week program underway at Alta Vista High School, teaching students how to farm in harmony with nature using organic practices to heal the environment. The continuation high school supports students at risk of not graduating.