Communities in states across the nation are becoming involved in sustainable agriculture. The past few years of unhealthy eating have created numerous reports about Americans bad health and alarming obesity rates. Couple that with the environmental issues and it’s no wonder there has been such a rise in organic farming and community gardens.
Community Garden
In the United States, two-thirds of adults, and 25 percent of all kids are considered overweight or obese. The downturn of the economy over the last four years caused over 14 percent of the (U.S.) population to fall into, or below the poverty level. It may not sound like much, but 14 percent of our population equals almost 43 million people.
This, along with the plight of the environment, has caused a rise in organic farming and community type gardens. In 2008, certified organic acreage reached about 5 million acres. In 2009, sales of organic food and beverages reached 24 billion dollars. People want healthier food.
Many communities are also participating in “community” gardens. There are around five thousand gardens that have been created across the United States now. Some were created to help beautify an area that has become neglected or impoverished. Area residents were encouraged to participate in cleaning up, landscaping and planting flowers in an area that would be seen as “belonging” to the community.
This helped to cultivate a sense of teamwork and personal responsibility; encouraging neighbors to help take care of one another. Other communities planted actual vegetable gardens in areas that were predominately poor. Everyone was invited to participate by helping to clean up, tilling, and planting the food. Because it belongs to everyone in that neighborhood, they are all responsible for the upkeep, and they get part of the food that’s grown.
These gardens help join people together, and clean up areas that have become downtrodden. It helps kids get out of the house and into nature, teaches everyone responsibility, and gives them a renewed sense of pride in their community. Plus, the vegetable gardens help feed countless families that may not get vegetables or fruit otherwise.
All of this just in time for Earth Day. Help us celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2011 and pick up a piece of trash, give your neighbor some fruit from your tree and thank Mother Earth in your own way!
are actually reading labels more, and trying to make better choices; for their health and the environment. This has forced companies to be more forthcoming in their advertising about ingredients they use in the products that we buy. But are the descriptions true? Not necessarily.
Natural Products Association. For a product to carry this label it cannot contain petrochemical ingredients, formaldehyde, parabens or phthalates. They also cannot contain more than 5 percent synthetic ingredients, and those ingredients can’t be toxic. Additionally, there are other guidelines that manufacturers have to follow to earn the certified seal.
The other label that has specific standards is “organic”, or “certified organic.” This is defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and is monitored by the federal government and certain consumer watch groups. Organic agriculture is based on management practices that enhance, restore or maintain environmental harmony; as well as other specific requirements that must be followed.