SPROUT: Plants Against Recidivism
2020 pamphlet and product concept
In an effort to reduce the rates of recidivism in the state of Texas, I was tasked with two other designers to create a concept for a pamphlet. SPROUT is a program designed to reduce recidivism rates in Texas by introducing mini planters made of recycled materials to prison spaces for inmates to care for.
Over the course of four months, I conducted research on recidivism rates in Texas, interviewed ex-incarcerated individuals, and designed two pamphlets and a recycled planting box.
PROBLEM
On average, prisoners spend roughly 24 hours indoors with limited sunlight and fresh air, negatively affecting their mental health and physical well-being. After release, ex-incarcerated individuals struggle with finding gainful employment, maintaining relationships, and securing consistent housing.
Recidivism affects everyone involved in the financial ecosystem.
During research, my team discovered that in 2019 the issue of mass incarceration and lack of management cost Dallas taxpayers alone $12 million.
To gather more insight, we took our research to the source and interviewed Lynne Likes, a Denton Freedom House intern and Zera Coffee manager. During our interview, Lynne provided insight into what life in prison is like, who expressed that "there's no life in there, only death".
SURVEY & PERSONAS
Using the COVID-19 quarantine for users to draw from a similar space, we conducted a survey with over 20 participants that resulted in:
100% of participants expressed that they feel that fresh air and sunshine positively impact their mood.
70% of participants expressed said that during quarantine they desired to be outside more than usual.
62% of participants said that they felt depressed or generally "down" during lockdown in 2020.
CONCEPT & DESIGN
By implementing a hydroponic garden in prisons, incarcerated individuals will be given the opportunity to bring life into prison while working with other inmates to maintain and care for their plants to build team working skills and responsibility.
SPROUT operates as a voluntary experimental program working with FCI Low Beaumont in Beaumont, TX to build potential for more prisons to incorporate nature and earn about the positive effects on inmate mental health.
STAFF PAMPHLET
PRISONER PAMPHLET
Each prisoner and staff member will receive a pamphlet detailing how the program works, the issue at hand, and how we plan to combat high recidivism rates.
Prisoners who choose to participate will receive their starter kit including a pre-cut recycled plastic bottle, section of sponge, plant clippings, and a small amount of water, along with assembly and care instructions.
WHY THIS WORKS
By using hydroponics combined with pre-cut recycled materials, prisons can feel safe knowing inmates can garden affordably without the use of tools or have access to soil or large quantities of water that can be used for hiding banned items or liquids. Having a sponge to support the plants requires minimal care and makes gardening incredibly beginner friendly.
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