Regenerative organic farming has the potential to sequester more carbon annually than the global transportation industry emits, making it a critical tool in the fight against climate change. This revolutionary approach focuses on restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity, and creating resilient ecosystems. Jason DeSalvo, co-founder of Cold Brook Farm in New Jersey, is at the forefront of this movement. With a commitment to sustainable living and environmental stewardship, Jason recently appeared on the NHA Health Science podcast, hosted by Dr. Frank Sabatino, to share his journey, insights, and vision for a sustainable future.

Cold Brook Farm: A Living Model of Sustainability

Cold Brook Farm is more than just a farm—it’s a bold experiment in sustainable living. Established in 2019 by Jason and his wife, the New Jersey-based zero-energy farmstead is a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance. Combining advanced technologies like solar energy with regenerative organic farming practices, Cold Brook Farm demonstrates how human needs can coexist with the natural world.

Jason explained how the farm serves as a real-world example of integrating sustainable practices into everyday life. From planting cover crops to support soil health to fostering biodiversity through pollinator-friendly habitats, every aspect of Cold Brook Farm is designed to nurture the land while producing nutrient-rich, chemical-free food.

Connecting Farming to Health and Wellness

One of the most compelling parts of Jason’s conversation with Dr. Sabatino was the link between regenerative farming and human health. At Cold Brook Farm, the commitment to sustainability extends beyond the environment to the people who consume its produce. Jason emphasized that the way food is grown directly impacts its nutritional value and, by extension, the health of those who eat it.

Chemical-free farming practices ensure that Cold Brook Farm’s produce is as healthy as it is delicious, offering a tangible reminder of how small, intentional changes in food production can have profound effects on overall well-being.

Facing Challenges Head-On: The Cold Brook Journey

Building a sustainable farm from scratch has been far from easy. Jason candidly shared the challenges he and his wife faced in transforming the property into what it is today. From learning the intricacies of soil regeneration to overcoming unforeseen hurdles, every step has been a learning experience.

“These challenges have taught us resilience,” Jason explained. “Sustainability isn’t just about systems and technology—it’s about adaptability and being willing to learn from the land.”

Through trial and error, Cold Brook Farm has become a laboratory for innovation, constantly evolving its practices to meet the needs of both the environment and the community.

Inspiring Change: Small Steps, Big Impact

Jason used his platform on the NHA Health Science podcast to encourage listeners to take action in their own lives. He underscored that sustainability doesn’t require sweeping changes overnight. Instead, small, consistent efforts—like supporting local farms, composting, or planting a garden—can collectively create a significant positive impact.

Jason also emphasized the importance of community. By connecting with others who share a commitment to sustainability, individuals can amplify their efforts and inspire broader societal change.

A Vision for the Future

As Jason and his wife continue their work at Cold Brook Farm, their vision remains clear: to create a healthier planet by blending sustainable living with environmental restoration. The farm stands as a beacon of what’s possible when passion meets purpose, offering a model for individuals and communities seeking to live in harmony with nature.

Jason’s appearance on the NHA Health Science podcast not only highlighted the importance of regenerative organic farming but also provided a hopeful message for the future. Through his leadership and dedication, he demonstrates that sustainable living is not just an ideal—it’s a necessity.

Listen and Learn

For those interested in hearing more about Jason’s inspiring work and gaining insights into regenerative farming, the full episode of the NHA Health Science podcast with Dr. Frank Sabatino is a must-listen. It’s an opportunity to learn from a leader in the field and discover practical ways to support a sustainable, thriving planet.

Jason DeSalvo’s journey at Cold Brook Farm reminds us all that even in the face of challenges, meaningful change is within reach. With dedication, innovation, and a willingness to learn, we can each play a part in building a healthier, more sustainable future.

Episode Highlights

[00:00]             Introduction.

[03:00]             The vegan evolution for Jason DeSalvo.

[05:30]             The Pleasure Trap Connection.

[08:00]             Success is more than dollars.

[10:45]             A socially conscious college student.

[13:00]             Protein and wine misunderstood.

[16:00]             Small versus large community agriculture.

[18:30]             Life doesn’t follow our plan.

[20:30]             Clarifying regenerative farming.

[24:00]             Healing the soil.

[31:00]             Creating a zero-energy home.

[35:00]             The #1 action you can take for the environment.

[40:30]             What’s on the horizon for Jason.

About Jason DeSalvo

Jason DeSalvo, alongside his wife, is the visionary steward of Cold Brook Farm, a pioneering zero-energy farmstead in New Jersey dedicated to sustainable living and environmental restoration. Together, they have transformed the farm into a living example of how thoughtful design, environmental stewardship, and community integration can work in harmony to address the profound challenges facing our planet.

Since breaking ground in August 2019, Jason and his wife have been at the forefront of sustainable living, embracing land stewardship as a way of life. Cold Brook Farm is not just a place to live; it is a hub of innovation and collaboration where they continuously refine their approach to balancing human needs with the thriving ecosystem that surrounds them. From designing and building a zero-energy home to fostering biodiversity and supporting local sustainability efforts, Jason and his wife work as a team to advance their shared vision of a healthier planet.

Their journey at Cold Brook Farm is about more than sustainable practices—it’s about creating a model for others to follow, one that reimagines how individuals and communities can restore balance with the environment. Jason and his wife believe that the path to a sustainable future begins with a commitment to learning, adapting, and fostering connections with like-minded individuals and organizations.

Through their work at Cold Brook Farm, Jason and his wife inspire others to see the possibilities in sustainable living and environmental restoration, showing that a sustainable life is not only achievable but essential for future generations.

Visit site at: https://coldbrookfarmnj.com/

About Dr. Frank Sabatino

As a recognized authority on the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle, Dr. Frank Sabatino has cared for and inspired thousands of people for over 40 years. Dr. Sabatino has a PhD in cell biology and neuroendocrinology and has done extensive landmark research on calorie restriction, stress, and aging. He currently is on staff at the TrueNorth Health Foundation in Santa Rosa, CA, and serves as the Director of Health Education at the NHA.

Dr. Sabatino’s passion and life’s work include raising awareness about the benefits of whole-food, plant-exclusive nutrition (without added salt, oil, or sugar), health rejuvenation and stress management.

Dr. Sabatino is the author of Weightless: Compassionate Weight Loss for Life, a groundbreaking guide to sustainable weight loss through a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle. Drawing on extensive clinical and personal experience, Dr. Sabatino offers practical strategies to overcome food addiction and avoid fad diets, risky drugs, and surgeries. The book provides meal plans, recipes, and lifestyle tips, emphasizing whole, plant-based foods and addressing the role of stress, sleep, and environmental toxins in weight management. “Weightless” empowers readers to achieve their weight goals healthily and sustainably, benefiting both people and the planet.

About NHA

The National Health Association (NHA), founded in 1948, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of a plant-based diet. The Association provides educational materials, educational events, and services to thousands of people around the world.

The mission of the National Health Association is to educate and empower individuals to understand that health results from healthful living. The NHA recognizes the integration of all aspects of health: personal, environmental, and social.

The NHA also provides travel experiences around the globe through the NHA Plant-Based Travel and cruise division.

More information: https://www.healthscience.org/

Scholarships

A unique benefit of the NHA Conference is the selection of two medical students who receive a full scholarship to the conference.

Contact Wanda Huberman for more information on how to apply for the scholarship.  whuberman@healthscience.org

NHA membership

For a very nominal investment, you can enjoy incredible benefits of the NHA membership.

Members of the NHA enjoy a subscription to the award-winning quarterly health journal, Health Science, access to the “Members Only” section of the NHA Website (which contains all 43 years of back issues of the magazine),  the ability to download for free many classic out of print eBooks on the history of the Natural Hygiene Movement, including Fasting Can Save Your Life and The Greatest Health Discovery, discounts on books, and early notice of the NHA events.

Only $35 a year for basic membership within the United States.  https://www.healthscience.org/join-renew/