Ever think about how your food choices impact more than just your health?
The truth is, what we eat has a huge effect on the environment. From the way food is grown to how it gets to our plates; every step has an environmental footprint.
But the good news? Small changes can make a big difference for both our health and the planet.
Food production is a major player in environmental issues, it takes up huge amounts of land, water, and resources, leading to deforestation and habitat loss. Plus, to have high yields of perfect looking products, agriculture and horticulture practices can rely heavily on fertilizers and pesticides, which often harm soil and waterways.
But there are ways we can help!
Have you ever thought about growing your own food?
It’s not just a fun hobby – it’s a great way to eat healthier while reducing your environmental impact. Whether it’s a full vegetable garden and orchard, a few pots on the deck, or microgreens on the windowsill, growing your own food has benefits that extend far beyond your plate.
When you grow your own fruits, veggies, and herbs, you know exactly what’s gone into growing them. You can pick food straight from your garden at its peak in flavour and nutrition. Plus, gardening encourages you to move your body more – even if it’s just getting up out of your seat to water your herb pots.
Growing your own food helps cut down on environmental impacts in several ways:
• Less transportation pollution; no planes, trains and automobiles, just a walk from garden to plate.
• You can skip synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
• Home grown food doesn’t come wrapped in plastic, reducing landfill waste.
• Composting food scraps and using natural gardening methods keep the soil rich and thriving.
When you grow your own food, you tend to waste less because you understand the effort it takes to grow it. You can also harvest only what you need, when you need it. And any scraps? They can be composted, completing the natural cycle.
You don’t need a huge backyard to grow your own food. Basil, mint, and parsley grow well in pots indoors or on a balcony. Leafy greens and radishes are great beginner-friendly choices, and grow well in pots too. Hanging baskets and trellises can maximize small spaces by growing vertically.
Growing your own food is a simple yet powerful way to nourish yourself while taking care of the planet.
You get fresh, tasty, nutritious food, and the environment benefits from fewer chemicals, less waste, and lower carbon emissions. So why not give it a try?
Even a small herb garden can be a step toward a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle!