The Green Life Project was started by incarcerated individuals at San Quentin State Prison with support from free people like Pandora Thomas (Earthseed Farm) & Angela Sevin in 2009.
In its first iteration, the program worked to create thriving lives for individuals and communities by promoting wellness, Restorative Justice, and connection with the Earth. Over the years it has reached thousands of system-impacted people through in-prison circle keeping and nature-based reentry programs.
In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic prevented the Green Life from operating within San Quentin. While the Green Life continued to provide Environmental Justice workshops beyond prison until 2023, the San Quentin community was deeply impacted by this loss.
In March 2024, the Green Life Project ended its fiscal sponsorship with the Earth Island Institute and closed as a formal organization. At the same time, Earth Equity sought a home for our Ocean Advocacy curriculum.
Developed and facilitated by incarcerated and free people, this curriculum connects participants to Kelp Reforestation through research, policy, regenerative aquaculture, and creative expression. The curriculum builds skills for reentry by providing professional development in Blue Economy careers. It connects the Environmental Justice movement to coastal communities throughout California, and empowers participants to act as leaders, innovators, and active contributors to this legacy.
With support from its founding members, the Green Life Project generously transferred its remaining resources to Earth Equity. In September 2024, Earth Equity was honored to revive and reinvigorate the Green Life within San Quentin.
We are so grateful to build upon the Green Life’s brilliant legacy in response to ever present & ever evolving needs for climate resilience, Environmental Justice, and community healing.
