Lake Forest High School Senior Promotes Sustainable Farming Through 'mylocalfarmer.org'
Ben Rattin, a senior at Lake Forest High School, has launched 'mylocalfarmer.org,' a website dedicated to promoting sustainable farming practices and connecting consumers with local farmers in the North Shore area of Illinois. Rattin believes that modern industrial agriculture negatively impacts the environment, soil health, and consumer well-being. His website features interviews with local farmers and photographs by fellow student Noah Goldfayn, profiling farms such as Wanda Farms in Harvard, Elewa Farm in Lake Forest, and Local Leaf Farm, an indoor hydroponic operation in Highland Park. The initiative aims to educate consumers about the practices used by farmers and the benefits of locally grown, sustainably produced food, moving beyond reliance on generic labels like 'organic' or 'cage-free.' Rattin, who became interested in food production after an environmental science course, plans to expand the website's reach and continue his advocacy for sustainable agriculture in college, focusing on environment...
