Soil loss is one of the most overlooked environmental crises of our time. In this exclusive excerpt from his forthcoming book, Environmental Escape Plan, John Thompson explores the fragile history of topsoil, how industrial agriculture has accelerated its destruction, and what happens when we ignore the foundation of our food system. Read on to discover why the future of soil is the future of civilization itself.

Most people don’t realize that landfilling food waste isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s an economic one. While composting is often dismissed as “too expensive,” the reality is that landfilling relies on hidden subsidies, taxpayer-funded infrastructure, and long-term environmental costs that don’t show up on a monthly bill. In this deep dive, we explore the true cost of waste, the financial blind spots of landfill economics, and why composting at scale is not just environmentally responsible—it’s financially sound.

Dr. Emily Burchfield, a leading food systems researcher at Emory University, explores how modern agriculture impacts our environment and what we can do to create a more sustainable future. From deforestation and soil degradation to the promise of regenerative farming and local food systems, this interview highlights actionable solutions for a healthier planet.

Zac Harrison, co-founder of Fresh Harvest, shares how their innovative model is transforming local food systems. From paying farmers 2.5 times more than traditional grocery stores to achieving near-zero food waste, discover how Fresh Harvest is creating a more sustainable, community-driven approach to food.

Discover what "sustainable chocolate" means from the perspective of Xocolatl’s co-founder, Elaine Read. In this Q&A, Elaine shares how Xocolatl prioritizes fair wages, high-quality ingredients, and environmentally responsible practices to positively impact the chocolate industry. Learn why small-batch chocolate costs more, what goes into making it carbon neutral, and how these efforts contribute to preserving biodiversity and supporting farmers.