Tom Hanks: The Actor Turned Homesteader on a Mission for Sustainability

Tom Hanks: Acting Legend and Homesteader at Heart
Tom Hanks is a name that needs no introduction. As one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, he has starred in some of the biggest films, won multiple awards, and captured hearts worldwide with his performances. But did you know that Tom Hanks is also a homesteader at heart? He and his wife, Rita Wilson, have been living on their ranch for years now, and they’ve built an impressive self-sustaining lifestyle that’s worth exploring.
The Ranch Life
Located in Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains, Tom Hanks’ ranch spans over 1,000 acres of land. The property features two log cabins, a barn for their horses (they have six), and several outbuildings used for various purposes such as storage or workshops. There are also gardens where they grow vegetables like tomatoes and zucchinis and fruits like apples and peaches.
One thing that sets Tom Hank’s homestead apart from others is its dedication to sustainability. They use solar panels to generate electricity for the entire property; they have a well which provides them with water; they compost all their food scraps; they recycle everything possible – it’s clear that Tom Hanks not only cares about the environment but takes concrete steps towards protecting it.
The Actor Turned Farmer
Despite being known primarily as an actor, Tom Hanks has always had an interest in farming. In fact, he grew up working on his family’s farm in California before pursuing acting full-time. And after years of living in Los Angeles’ busy city life – when he bought this ranch back in 1990 – it was finally time to get his hands dirty again.
It was no surprise then when he announced plans to turn part of his idyllic Colorado ranch into an organic farmstead producing everything from olives to honeybees back in 2017.
What started as a passion project has since grown in popularity. Hanks and Wilson have now turned their farm into a business that produces olive oil, honey, and other products from the ranch’s produce. They’ve also opened up the property to visitors who can come for tours or even stay on the ranch to experience homesteading life themselves.
The Homestead Lifestyle
Homesteading is about living off the land and being self-sufficient — something that Tom Hanks’ ranch does exceptionally well. The couple raises chickens for eggs, has an extensive vegetable garden, and grows fruit trees like apples, peaches, pears, and cherries.
They also keep bees which help with pollination of their crops. The honey produced from these bees is used in everything from cooking to skincare products sold under their brand name “Hank’s Honey.” Additionally, they harvest olives from over 1,000 trees on the property to make top-quality extra-virgin olive oil under the label “Hank’s Olive Oil.”
Their efforts towards sustainability extend beyond just agriculture too – they use biodegradable cleaning products in their homes such as vinegar and baking soda rather than harsh chemicals that could harm both human health and environment.
Part of what makes Tom Hank’s homestead so special is how he shares it with others. He regularly updates his social media accounts with photos of his livestock or gardens while inviting people over for tours to showcase what goes into running a successful homestead.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tom Hanks may be one of Hollywood’s biggest stars but he hasn’t lost touch with his roots as a farmer at heart. His dedication towards sustainability while maintaining a luxurious lifestyle proves it possible to live harmoniously with nature without sacrificing comfort entirely. It’s no wonder why he chose this way of life- it makes him feel good by doing something positive for himself & planet earth alike!