Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, REGROW

We have all heard Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. In today’s age we need to add Regrow to that list of environmentally proactive R’s. With so many ways we can regrow or reuse leftovers all the way down to the seeds and in turn reduce our impact on our environment. We need to relearn how to grow and regrow our own foods. We can remove food insecurities in our own communities simply by planting a seed, and have those actions plant seeds across the globe.

In 1945 in North America we were growing approx 45% of our own food in our own back yards. Not only did it taste better, it was better for you. In the 1950’s many vegetables had 25% more nutritional value than todays hybrids. Green beans themselves held about 40% more calcium than todays do. In the past 70 years the quality and accessability of food has been on the decline. Even with the technological advancements society has made. We ate a healthier diet based on higher intakes of vegetables and fruits mostly grown locally and had less of a negative impact on the planet. Today the percentage of people growing their own food is under 1% across North America.

The plant world is very resilient, and vegetables are no different. There are many vegetables like green onions, lettuce, and celery can all be regrown after being harvested. Simply by placing the bottom root base into a source of water and placing in a sunny location or under supplemental lighting. Many other plants can even have sections cut or broken off that will grow itself into a new plant given the proper conditions.

Let your actions speak

There is so much that we the people have the power to change. If we grow our own food, even seasonally, we are reducing our expectation of the system to supply. With a reduced demand, farmers could rotationally graze animals on some of their lands. A natural way to regenerate the soil without the use of manmade chemicals. There would also be a reduction in requirements for shipping vessels which would reduce greenhouse gases and oil requirements.

My reflection

I think back to when I was a kid, almost every home had a garden. Some even had massive gardensthat were full of everything you can think of.. In some ways the world needs us to return to the days of 1945. A return to half the population taking responsibility for a huge portion of their own diets. A time where we ate more balanced diets and higher quality foods grown right at home, without the slew of preservatives we are faced with today. A time where we shared our excess with our neighbors and created stronger, healthier communities.

Just imagine all the good that would ripple from such a simple thing as people growing their own food. Food insecurities would start to decline, people would become healthier and happier. Communities would once again be connected through the philanthropy created by the simple act of donating excess harvest and looking out for your neighbors.

Are we the solution?

Outside of all these benefits there is a bigger possibility that I can see. The influx of plants and trees being regrown by the masses would benefit the planet and retain carbon. We also wouldn’t have to ship as much globally which is a huge carbon offset for the planet. Our global food supplies would become more manageable, less wasteful and would allow rotational grazing to become an option for most farmers. Rotational grazing of animals could negate the use of chemical fertilizers saving the farms expenses and naturally rejuvenating the soils nutrients. These ripples can just keep growing.

A little self sufficiency can go a long way.