Working for Future Generations-Sustainable Gardening

Learning to live a more balanced life and a life of moderation are some of the first steps towards sustainability. A life of moderation can lead to a lifestyle that does not steal from future generations and that does not abuse our planet. We need to be aware of the fact that we are part of the Earth’s environment and not separate. We are connected to the ecosystems, the animals, and the plants. We are part this planet and abusing it with careless consumerism, endless materialistic wants, and pollution will only bring about negative changes to the home we have ever known. Global warming and climate change aside (both of those terms have been hijacked for political reasons), we can all agree that we are polluting our planet with chemicals and fossil fuels. Divestment from such fossil fuels is possible, change is possible.

One of the biggest changes that we can do on a personal level is to become conscious of our eating habits. We do not have to get mangos and other exotic foods from 1000s of miles away and out of season for our region. We can become educated on what it means to eat seasonally and locally. We can all reduce our food miles and help reduce fossil fuel usage in turn.

We need to all become actively aware of our thoughts and actions. We need to become actively aware of our spending habits (where our money is going and who does it support). Remember, spending a dollar is like casting a vote. Where our money goes can have a real impact on society and how it is shaped. We also need to be actively aware about the things we purchase or use. We need to educate ourselves on these objects impacts on the environment and where they will go when we are done with them. Planned and perceived obsolescence are real, pay attention to these concepts with products you purchase.

In regards to growing food, this is a great way to greatly reducing fossil fuel usage. There are many ways to grow food in your own community, whether you live in urban or rural areas. Aquaponics, hydroponics, vertical gardening, raised garden beds, traditional garden beds, permaculture, and many more options are all viable for certain areas. From community garden plots to personal backyard beds, all produce from such sources make an impact. Imagine if we all got at least 10% of our yearly produce from our neighborhoods? That could cut down on a lot of food miles. Sustainable development is possible. Change is possible. We can divest from fossil fuels and help support our future generations.