Sustainable Farming: What Do You Buy??

            The major elements of sustainable farming are basically using every measure possible to make as little impact on the environment as you can. Some examples of those measures are organic fertilizers and pesticides, very little operation with machinery, biodegradable packaging and shipping, and distributing locally instead of widespread. Each of these elements will follow your basic ecological principals as well as providing the farmer with a very small carbon footprint on the environment. Granted “sustainable” farming is more expensive, and labor intensive, but can you put a price on preserving our environment? When these organic or “natural” labeled foods hit the grocery store some people stay away from them while other individuals by nothing but these products. The people who do not purchase these items may say it is because they are too expensive or do not taste as good as other processed foods; others who do purchase these items are most likely thinking of the environment and their own health. I, personally, buy organic or “natural” foods occasionally, but they are not my entire grocery list. There are some things that are nice to know they are natural and organic and other items where it is convenient and cheap to just pick them up and have a ready to eat meal.

            I think that I am connected to the current food system, because I believe that is still the processed cheap food that is sold in many grocery stores. Going organic has become very popular, but in my opinion it has not become the majority of food systems. It is like a fad and only time will tell if it catches on or not. In this organic and “natural” food phenomenon I do see the role of the Third Frontier. As our global population continues to use and deplete natural resources something must change. The Third Frontier is about a new way of life. Going green and eating organic are ways that we can start to make those changes that will better our environment.

Some believe this is what some believe will be the future of sustainable farming.

            If there was space on campus to grow my own vegetables I would not need it because I grow my own vegetable at home. I started my garden a year ago and fell in love with it. I love watching things grow and being able to eat the outcome! I know my small garden does not yield enough vegetables for every day meals, but it is nice to have an occasionally dinner that I grew myself. Dinners like those make me feel like I am making a difference even if that impact is very small. The following are a few photos of the very beginning of my garden: