Quote:
Originally Posted by SoNotHer
Yes, we could, should, and will, and I would encourage anyone to start a garden at home (even a pot with a basil plant is a start) and look into permaculture and food forests and "edible landscaping." "Food forests" are already being created in places like Philadelphia, and permaculture is growing in presence and understanding = permacultures which allowed one California family to create enough food for itself on 1/10th an acre and be able to sustain itself financially selling food to upscale restaurants.
Industrial agriculture is highly problematic. 1) It is dependent on the petro-chemical cycle of propping up lifeless, ruined soil with fertilizers (petroleum based) and maintaining wide swaths of monocultures (like corn and soy) with herbcides/insecticides. It is therefore highly dependent on oil and oil prices, and is a large contributor to C02 emissions. 2) It demands high water use and contaminates water. 3) It promotes heavy soil loss. 4) It creates an unnatural representation of nature that is ripe for all of these conditions.
Permaculture works with the prevailing natural system and embraces, supports and promotes biodiversity, guilds of companion plants working together, and, frankly, a rich, beautiful and sustainable paradise. It also promotes social justice, sharing and planetary care.
Here is a good beginning, but there are many other videos available on You Tube:
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Container gardening at home is a really good way to have some fresh, organically grown produce and keep costs minimal. I am amazed at the amount of veggies I have been able to kick out with this. And you can plant winter veggies in containers, too. No way could I do in ground gardening with my arthritis (unless I had raised beds). I do live where there is a 2 x/week local farmers market closeby and that helps a lot.
I do understand that for some, their work hours and commute time might make it very difficult to do this- or any gardening. Some people just don't like gardening. But buying in season is helpful and buying from stores that do bring in local produce. Very small changes can make a big difference.