Slow living is a rising lifestyle trend as people look for simple ways to slow down. Sub-trends of slow living include slow food and slow beauty movements, both largely connected to the harvesting and preparation of natural ingredients, essentially farming. According to the latest Census of Agriculture, the number of farmers under 35 years old is increasing. Young people are not only attracted to the rural landscapes and manual labor of being a farmer, but also to the science and simplicity of living a life less dictated by urban demands. “Farm-to-face” is a popular beauty term referring to brands that harvest local ingredients and bottle the final product. This report extends that idea to using farmed produce to better our overall health and environment. Whether it’s an underground vertical farm or edible packaging, we continue to see innovations on how organic matter can be better integrated into our daily lives. 

Key Influencers

Amanda Brooks 
Amanda Brooks left the bustling city and opted for a charming rural life on the English countryside. The former Barneys New York fashion director has adjusted nicely to a country lifestyle, learning to make jam, knit, and ride horses. Cutter Brooks, her new lifestyle boutique in Cotswolds reflects her elegant taste. Brooks shares stories of her farm girl life in her new book, Farm From Home. 

Scoby 
Polish design student, Roza Janusz, invented an edible vegetarian wrapping that is zero waste. The material is a combination of organic substances and kombucha that is fermented for two weeks before forming into thin sheets. 

Apeel Sciences 
Apeel slows the rate of perishable produce by locking moisture in and keeping oxygen out. It’s a liquid spray made up of plant-derived materials that is safe to consume. The product reduces food waste by prolonging shelf life two to three times longer.

Sharewaste 
Sharewaste connects nearby neighbors to a digital mapping system that allow users to post compost stations. The app connects communities and takes a sustainable approach to waste. Composting is essential for a healthy garden, and with thousands of users already on the app, a green thumb may be contagious. 

Farmaesthetics 
Farmaesthetics is a 100% natural skincare line that uses organic herbs, flowers, oils, and grains from local American farms. Founder, Brenda Brock, the seventh generation of a Texas farming family, has implemented her traditional herbal recipes into an effective skincare line. 

Farm.One 
Farm.One is an underground vertical farm in lower Manhattan that supplies rare micro-greens, herbs, and edible flowers to New York's finest restaurants. The greens are grown-to-order, using plant-based fertilizers and biodigestive materials to ensure fresh product.

-Heather Picquot