Reason #11 : Backyard Gardens
April 28, 2009
Today I decided I love the recession because backyard gardens are growing in popularity.
- All of this grown in a backyard
Do you eat grapes in the winter time? Do you know that these grapes must be harvested in the feilds of South America, packed onto a boat, shipped across the sea, driven from the port to the heart of Texas, and then marked up tenfold to cover the cost of shipping? It’s a lot to think about. And the grapes aren’t really that good.
The high price of food has caused many to turn to local farms and backyard gardening as a source of sustenance. Sure, Michelle Obama did it and everyone freaked out.
But in Austin alone, many local farms have seen in increase in business since the recession hit. In the last 3 years, the CSA Johnson’s Family Farm has gone from feeding 10 to 450 families. The Austin Farmer’s market also has noted an increase in sales. They are now campaigning to open a new community garden within the city, adding to the already 14 gardens that operate and feed hundreds of families and farmers.
Eating food that is grown close to home is cheaper and, needless to say, better for the environment because of less carbon pollution and overfarming. Foods in season are also more fragrant and succulent than crops forced to grow out of demand.
Save money! Eat fresher! help the environment! Support sustainability! You’ve heard it before!
I love the recession!
