Every year I grow a portion of my family’s food. There are many reasons why I choose to do this. Of course, one reason is that homegrown produce just tastes better than store-bought fruits and veggies. But to me, there are many, even more significant, reasons to having my own garden. I find that providing my family with food that is not genetically modified or grown with toxic chemicals is extremely important. I am also concerned with the future of our national food supply for various reasons, and knowing that I am capable of growing food for my family eliminates a lot of my fears associated with that. And last but not least, gardening is a very sacred activity that helps me feel more connected to the Earth.
A study done in 2008 by the USDA Pesticide Data Program found 54 pesticide residues in conventionally grown strawberries. Many of these pesticides are known carcinogens, neurotoxins and hormone disrupters. I don’t know about you, but to me, that is downright scary! Besides the human health consequences, chemical pesticides are also disruptive to Earth and its inhabitants. They cause groundwater contamination and soil degradation and also destroy fragile ecosystems. A new study from Harvard University scientists concludes that certain pesticides are likely the primary cause of colony collapse disorder in honeybees. GMO’s are another potential threat to our health and environment. Genetically modified organisms have been banned by the European Union, Japan, Australia and a dozen other countries. No one knows if GMO’s are safe, yet here in America, they don’t even have to be labeled! The reason for this is purely political, which means, basically, it’s all about money. We cannot keep allowing corporations to profit from killing us!
This year we are experiencing the worst drought in over 50 years. Some climatologists are worried that we are headed for a possible century-long drought in America’s breadbasket region. If this were to happen, food would become scarce. And the food that would be available would be extremely expensive. The price of oil also affects the cost and availability of food in the grocery stores. Our dependence on oil is a wee bit disturbing to me. Ninety-nine percent of food in the grocery stores is trucked in from thousands of miles away. When gas prices go up, naturally our food gets more expensive. Also, there is only a limited amount of fossil fuel beneath our feet. Our present levels of consumption are simply unsustainable. What are we going to do when we run out of oil? Buying from local farms is a wonderful option, but local farms can’t feed us all.
Despite all of my concerns with the safety and constancy of our national food supply, I have another, more heartfelt, reason why I garden. Gardening is an escape from stress and the materialistic world. For me, there is something very comforting and natural about growing my family’s food. I feel at one with nature, so to speak. It doesn’t matter whether I am digging a hole, planting seeds or pulling a ripe tomato off its stem, it just feels good. I love gardening. I will probably continue to garden until I am no longer physically able to.
Having your own organic garden is very rewarding in many ways. It gives you more control over your health and also helps to preserve the earth. It can give you a sense of well-being and keep you better in touch with Mother Nature. And who knows, it may even save your life someday!
