Archive for February, 2012
Start Your Own Green Acres
Spring brings to mind growth and renewal, as well as the seasonal varietals of fruits and vegetables soon to be available at the market. For most of us, that is. In many cities, inadequate, unreliable and irregular access to food is a recurring problem. Urban agriculture has been a positive response to addressing those concerns. Households and small communities take advantage of vacant land and contribute not only to their household food needs but also the needs of their resident city.
Supplemental food production beyond rural farming operations is not a new concept. As early as 1893, Detroiters struck by the Depression were asked to use any vacant lots to grow vegetables. Nicknamed “Pingree’s Potato Patches,” then-mayor Hazen S. Pingree intended these gardens to provide income and food supply for the poor in times of hardship.
Generally practiced for income earning or food production, other communities find recreation and relaxation to be the primary motivation for urban farming. Social benefits have emerged as well: better health and nutrition, employment and food security.
If you’ve got the space, growing your own can save your household food dollars for other non-garden items. No green thumb? Explore your local farmers’ market for fresh, flavorful produce. You’ll boost the local economy and do your body a favor at the same time.
Image source: Wikipedia
Upcycling: To Everything There Is a Purpose
The term “recycling” has become rooted in our vernacular. But drop the word “upcycling” into conversation, and you may be met with a blank stare. Upcycling involves converting waste materials or useless products into new materials or products of better quality or a higher environmental value. Though the word may be new, thrift is not a new concept.
Prior to the ’50s or so, upcycling was actually commonplace. Everything was used until it was in no way beneficial. Today’s upcyclers put just about anything they can find to good use. For example: tires and bike tubes are transformed into flip flops and belts; wooden pallets are fashioned into furniture and flooring; broken guitar strings evolve as jewelry; juice boxes get new life as handbags.
It’s unlikely you have the means to remanufacture your own stuff. But before discarding an unused item, try to think of another purpose for it. If you can’t, consider donating to thrift centers (such as Salvation Army or Goodwill) or even church rummage sales. Find a FreeCycle Network™ in your neighborhood where you can give unwanted goods to folks who may need them, reducing waste and keeping good stuff out of landfills.
