Growing our own food is good for all of us
Written by HWW Staff Writer
The benefits, of course are incredible.
With prices soaring and supply chains straining, there is an ever-expanding worldwide movement to grow one’s own food.
First of all, we save money on our grocery bills. It is much more cost-efficient to grow in our personal gardens or backyards.
We also reduce our environmental impact by removing trucks from the road and planes that bring us food from other parts of the world, not to mention eliminating pesticides and herbicides.
Fresh food also tastes better and is better for you. Children who eat homegrown foods are more likely to eat five servings a day and enjoy them far more than store-bought produce. A salad made out of freshly picked vegetables is better than anything from even the best produce store, and fresh food has a much higher vitamin content than store-bought food.
Across the planet, people are discovering new ways to grow fresh produce. We’re seeing a worldwide movement towards community gardens, which is excellent news for those who don’t have access to one at home. Hundreds of them have popped up in and around the lower mainland in the past ten years.
Buildings are being designed with rooftop gardens in the heart of downtowns. Along with the food, they assist with temperature control and provide recreational opportunities. These are now common in cities like New York, London, Milan, and many here in British Columbia.
Many restaurants are now growing their own food on-site. One of my favourite stone oven pizza joints, the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co., grows its own vegetables right on the patio next to where you eat. It is a delightful touch, beautiful and tasty.
Another benefit of growing your own food is exercise. Planting, weeding, watering and harvesting are all tremendous low-impact physical activities that can be done at almost any age. In addition, you can involve the whole family in this fun activity.
The added benefit of fresh air and sunshine is just a bonus.
So, go out and buy some seeds and get planting, your family will be healthier and happier, and your recipes will never taste the same.
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