WILD BASED™ x MK RIDGE
"FOR THE PLANET"
100% ORGANIC COTTON
UNISEX "CLASSIC" T-SHIRT
ISSUE no. 001
FINISHED GARMENT / INCHES
| MEASUREMENT | M | L | XL | 2XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body length | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 |
| Chest width | 20.5 | 22.5 | 24.5 | 26.5 |
| Sleeve length | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 |
Chest width is measured across the garment when laid flat. Double for approximate garment circumference.
Measurements are for the finished garment, not body measurements.
Description
THE STORY / 001
IT STARTED WITH
TWO WORDS.
"EAT ME"
On the side of a remote mountain, Michael Ridge removed existing vegetation and planted native wildflower seeds in the shape of two words: EAT ME.
It was an unconventional expression of his relationship with the natural world. But what began as a message in wildflowers would eventually lead to a federal felony case.
NOT JUST
GRAFFITI.
A FIELD GUIDE WRITTEN INTO THE LAND.
The letters weren't painted. They were planted.
Michael says he removed surface vegetation dominated by invasive cheatgrass and planted seeds of a native edible root, basalt biscuitroot (Lomatium).
He envisioned the hillside as an unconventional field guide: a way to bring attention to the wild foods growing all around us, and the traditional knowledge that helps people recognize them.
For Michael, the words EAT ME were both an invitation to rediscover native foods and a piece of performance art.
“I consider it the first field guide I've ever written.”
NATIVE ROOTS / LIVING LANDSCAPE
FROM WILDFLOWERS
TO A FEDERAL CASE.
Michael intended an unconventional field guide planted with native food species. The U.S. Forest Service accused him of felony destruction of government property.
RESTORATION.
Michael described the hillside lettering as performance art and an effort to introduce people to native edible plants.
DESTRUCTION.
The Forest Service accused Michael of destruction of government property for disturbing the hillside.
CASE CLOSED. NO CRIMINAL CONVICTION.
Michael says he settled the case, paid restitution, and walked away without a criminal conviction. The proceedings disrupted roughly half a year of his nomadic horseback travels.
Paid to resolve the case, according to Michael.
HE SENT THE GOVERNMENT AN INVOICE.
On the eve of settlement, Michael submitted a performative invoice via his lawyer accounting for his time, travel, native seeds, and attorney fees. He knew the government would not pay it...but they were furious about his request.
VIEW THE COUNTER-INVOICE
Plant Native invoice submitted by Michael Ridge; not paid by the government.
“I’d just like my half a year back.”
— MICHAEL RIDGE
THE STORY CONTINUES WITH YOU.
What began as an act of ecological expression became a costly legal battle. This limited collaboration carries Michael’s message forward while helping him recover expenses from the case.
Wear the artwork. Share the story. Support the person behind it.
OUR COMMITMENT
A COLLABORATION WITH PURPOSE.
An independent collaboration between Michael Ridge and Wild Based, created to support Michael and carry his message of environmental stewardship forward.
How does this collaboration support Michael?
This limited release is a partnership between Michael and Wild Based, created to help offset the legal expenses associated with his environmental activism. Michael receives direct compensation from every shirt sold, while the collaboration helps carry his message forward.
LIFE IN THE LIVING WORLD
THE MATERIAL MATTERS.
The story gives this shirt its purpose. The materials and construction give it substance.
100% ORGANIC COTTON
MIDWEIGHT 180 GSM
BUILT TO LAST
