A lot of us are already aware of the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into our daily diet. However are you aware that 70% of the produce in the US contains harmful pesticides? These are chemicals used to protect crops but are toxic to humans when consumed in large quantities. A study done in 2007 by the Environmental Protection Agency reports that over one billion tons of pesticides are used in the U.S. every year. The only way that you can be sure your foods do not contain these is if you grow them yourself!
The solution to living a more sustainable life is as simple as some seed and soil. By growing your own produce you will be saving money, connecting with nature, and reducing your carbon footprint. When you take into account the typical energy cost of transporting food, personal and freight transportation are responsible for 28% of the total energy use in the U.S. It is estimated that an average distance of 1,500 miles are traveled before the food is actually consumed. The further a product travels to market from the production site, the greater its environmental damage and contribution to global warming is. Growing your own food on the other hand is fun, inexpensive and an investment that you can grow and share with your family. Imagine walking into your garden and picking out your favorite fruits and veggies instead of buying them without actually knowing where they came from or how long they traveled in the hot sun before reaching your plate.
If you don’t have access to a backyard there are community gardens as well. As more people begin to realize the importance of growing their own produce, more community gardens are being created. This a great opportunity to connect with your neighbors, grow as a community, and trade produce. In this case you will be lowering your grocery bill, helping the environment, and teaching your family and kids the importance of a healthy lifestyle. There is never a better time than right now to start something that can change your life for the better. You can start small or start big. All you need is a little seed, soil, sunshine and water! ?