Known for his parts in movies like "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "The Karate Kid," actor Jason Scott Lee has a lesser-known but profoundly significant side. He works in taro fields on the Hawaiian island of Maui and is an enthusiastic farmer. Hawaiians have been growing taro, a starchy root vegetable, for around 2,000 years, and it has great cultural significance.

In addition to sweet potatoes, Lee grows eight different types of taro. This practice is a way of life, not just a pastime. He embodies sustainable agriculture by living off the land. His farm depends on natural resources to survive and runs without the assistance of contemporary infrastructure. Lee depends entirely on his relationship with nature and his own strength, much like when he runs a marathon without stopping for water stations.

In addition to upholding traditional Hawaiian customs, Lee's taro and sweet potato farming promotes environmental sustainability. His method of farming reflects the tenacity of the early Hawaiians, who flourished on these islands long before the advent of contemporary amenities. Lee's farm is sustainable because it is closely linked to regional customs and natural cycles, much like a tree's strong roots help it withstand a storm.

Living sustainably involves more than just the things we do now; it also involves respecting the past and conserving for the future, as Lee's work serves as a reminder. More than just a piece of land, his taro fields are a reflection of a way of life that strikes a balance between environmental stewardship and human needs.