free from the tree.

One of the coolest organizations we’ve heard of lately is Fallen Fruit, a grassroots Los Angeles-based group dedicated to mapping out the public places in that city where fruit trees grow or overhang. What does that mean? It means they provide maps on their website of public places (like parks) where unpicked fruit falls from the tree, only to rot on the ground. That is, unless someone picks it. Free lemons, oranges, grapefruits, figs… You name it! The mission of Fallen Fruit is to expand community fruit maps to create an online global public fruit resource. The project asks all of us to petition cities and towns to support community gardens and only plant fruit-bearing trees in public parks. If you’re in LA, get picking and consider “paying” for your produce by getting involved with Fallen Fruit. If you live elsewhere, use your favorite search engine to see if there’s a similar project near you. If not, consider starting one! Fallen Fruit’s website offers tips on creating your own fruit map. Sexy and tasty!

Thanks to Sam Helphand for inspiring this tip!