Imagine a world where everyone grows their own fresh vegetables and loves consuming the fruit of their labor thanks to the healthy lifestyle being easy and fun. A world where consumers are the producers, where lawyers, politicians, even stay-at-home dads, they can all foster the growth of their very own meals. That's what Earth Starter envisions, which is why they're launching a Kickstarter today to ensure their dream world becomes a reality.
A company founded by two University of Maryland alums, Earth Starter is invested in the belief that to build a healthy lifestyle brand, you must also cultivate the next generation of gardeners. Equipped with their flagship product Nourishmat and newly released Herbmat, Earth Starter is manufacturing outdoor essentials that may look like your everyday garden blanket, but are much, much more than the simple backyard fixture. Rather, they're innovative garden homes that allow even those with little to no experience, a tight schedule, and limited space the opportunity to simply grow their own food. Each mat is fit to ward off pesky weeds, adapt to outdoor conditions, and provide a plentiful supply of ingredients for fresh meals so that you can even drop some off at your neighbors to show-off your green thumb skills.
While co-founders John Gorby and Phil Weiner have been highly successful thus far, taking First Place at University of Maryland's national business competition Cupid's Cup and winning the Design Materials Award at Dwell on Design just last week, their mission to create sustainably healthy food supplies is far from over. To underwrite inventory costs while maintaining their U.S.-based production and minimize the financial risks they face as a five-person operation, Earth Starter has launched their very own Kickstarter to help further their outreach efforts.
Equipped with the tagline "Changing the Way We Think About Food," Weiner explained over the phone that he and his team "want to reconnect people to their soil." And what better way to do that than by ensuring that Earth Starter's products continue to be made here in America. With a goal of $70,000, Weiner told us that 100 percent of the Kickstarter pledges will be dedicated to funding inventory, launching more comprehensive marketing campaigns, and continued product development. His hopes are that the incentives, products, and inspiring Earth Starter dream will persuade Kickstarter users to rethink what their backyards can be used for and support the Earth Starter initiative.
Looking forward, Weiner said that their's even more to their mission than stipulated above. Earth Starter intends on creating and implementing a "Nourishmat garden based educational curriculum" that can be used on school grounds to create food security solutions for urban locales and kids alike. They also have a new product in development (cue the oohs and ahhs) for apartment dwellers and smaller spaces. A Nourishmat fit for concrete? I can't even contain my excitment.
The incentives incorporated into the Kickstarter project are pretty stellar as well. You can be the proud owner of one of their brand spankin' new t-shirts, custom design three Nourishmats that will be offered to the public with your name credited to the product, and even receive a private concert by Grammy nominated Lindsay Katt and Jordan Brown while overlooking the Potomac River. You can check out the other rewards below:
This is a chance for you to back a project that has and will change the world. I've worked with Phil Weiner, know the products, and can tell you from personal experience that Earth Starter, they're going places. The fundraiser started today and will last through Wednesday, July 31, so take some time to watch their videos and check out the innovative contraptions they've made. I guarantee you'll leave their Kickstarter site not only wanting a Nourishmat and an Herbmat, but a one-on-one conversation with the brilliant co-founders as well. Help out a local startup and give homegrown business Earth Starter the chance to change how we live for the better.
