It’s founder Dana Cowin here, inviting you to explore the possibility of finding joy in purposeful action.

I founded Progressive Hedonist on the belief that taking action and gathering around food are an antidote to fear and isolation. Sick of succumbing to paralysis and motivated to find a way to make a difference, in 2023 I began a journey to makeover my every day food habits. I began focusing on reducing waste, buying sustainably-grown food, and co-hosting events with friends around the country to talk about what we can all do to maximize the health of the planet. In fall 2024, I launched a Progressive Hedonist podcast. On the show, I interview people who also believe in the powerful potential for food to bring change. Along the way, I have found community, joy, creativity and inspiration. I’d love you to join us—whether you are curious but not committed to changing habits or you’re a master and grow everything you eat, you are welcomed, valued and needed.

But first, why food? 

  • Food is a vital medium to address climate change.
    “A whopping 22–33% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from food, agriculture, and land (and ocean) use.” (Project Drawdown)
    “We waste 1 billion meals globally. Food loss and waste generates 8-10 percent of annual global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—almost 5 times that of the aviation sector.” (UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024)

  • Gathering around food that nourishes ourselves and the planet creates meaningful connections, deepens understanding, restores a sense of purpose and inspires action.
    "The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you can alter, even by a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change the world." — James Baldwin

  • Spending our dollars on responsibly-produced food, we can support people already working to restore nature. Every dollar counts when we buy from regenerative farmers, eat at sustainability-minded restaurants, shop in the supermarket for products that are well-sourced.

The WHO

Progressive Hedonists are people who find joy, connection and uplift in tackling one of the seemingly impossible challenges of our lifetime: reversing climate change. We support people, places, practices and ideas that are committed to doing right by the planet. We get that altering habits is hard and making planet-friendly decisions is often nuanced and complicated.

Committed to combating climate doom, Progressive Hedonists believe that positive action is the antidote to fear and anxiety, that making small and consistent changes can be unexpectedly joyous and profoundly impactful.

The HOW

HERE ARE THE 3 PRINCIPLES WE LIVE BY:

  • SOURCE SUSTAINABLY: Choose ingredients that are grown, produced, or raised locally using environmentally responsible and ethical practices by people who are conscientious stewards of the land.

  • REDUCE COPIOUSLY: Avoid wasting perfectly good food; upcycle; share excess; and compost to keep as much as possible out of landfill.

  • LIVE ABUNDANTLY: Cook, drink, gather, connect and inspire sustainable practices among friends and community. Research, listen, read to better understand complex environmental issues to discover a clear path to doing what’s best for the planet. Volunteer, donate, vote to preserve and expand that which you cherish.

Where We Connect

At gatherings in homes, restaurants, farms, cafes — anywhere outrageously fulfilling food and drink can be served.

  • Through online content where we share game-changing ideas, people, places and practices

  • In a soon-to-launch newsletter

  • On the Progressive Hedonist podcast, co-produced with Heritage Radio Network.

Here are a few ways to join the PH community: