July 4th. Freedom. A good thing. This Land Is Your Land. This Land Is My Land.
Gets me thinking about our land, and how we use it, especially in regards to farming. I think, by now, most people know that organic farming means no pesticides. But did you know:
The Woes
Commercial farmers raise monocultures, or single crops, which deplete the soil of nutrients and the environment of diversity. Since nature is out of balance in these situations, these farmers rely on large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers to control pests and boost yields. Crops grown in these conditions not only contain numerous pesticide residues, but recent studies show they may also be lower in nutritional values than crops grown organically.
The Wows
Crops grown organically are grown without conventional pesticides, petroleum or sewage-based fertilizers, bioengineering or ionizing radiation, and synthetic substances.
Additionally, organic farmers must use growing methods that minimize soil erosion and maintain or enhance soil fertility. It’s nature the way nature intended it to be, with fruits and vegetables at their very peak of flavor and nutrition. Public awareness and exposure to a growing number of organic products has caused a surge in the organic marketplace. This public support saves small family farms, brings down prices, and preserves environmental diversity for our shared future.
What You Can Do Now
1. Go organic in your backyard garden, which means more than just not using pesticides. It means rotating crops, companion planting, improving the soil with compost and other natural additives, providing water and food sources (like a berry bush) for birds and growing flowers that attract bees for pollination and beneficial insects for pest control.
You can even consider applying to the National Wildlife Federation (see
www.nwf.org ) to have your yard certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. If approved, you qualify for a cool sign which serves as a daily visual reminder of your commitment, and the designation can even help differentiate your home when you plan to sell.
2. Visit local organic farms. It's fun, and you'll see organic practices first-hand so you'll have a true understanding of how it works.
3. Support, support, support organic farmers. Here in Atlanta, Georgia Organics just published the 2006-07 Local Food Guide, which includes a long list of local organic farmers and farmers markets, plus restaurants and grocers that include local organic items. Download your copy at
www.georgiaorganics.org.
July 4th. Freedom. A good thing. This Land Is Your Land. This Land Is My Land.
Gets me thinking about our land, and how we use it, especially in regards to farming. I think, by now, most people know that organic farming means no pesticides. But did you know:
The Woes
Commercial farmers raise monocultures, or single crops, which deplete the soil of nutrients and the environment of diversity. Since nature is out of balance in these situations, these farmers rely on large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers to control pests and boost yields. Crops grown in these conditions not only contain numerous pesticide residues, but recent studies show they may also be lower in nutritional values than crops grown organically.
The Wows
Additionally, organic farmers must use growing methods that minimize soil erosion and maintain or enhance soil fertility. It’s nature the way nature intended it to be, with fruits and vegetables at their very peak of flavor and nutrition. Public awareness and exposure to a growing number of organic products has caused a surge in the organic marketplace. This public support saves small family farms, brings down prices, and preserves environmental diversity for our shared future.
What You Can Do Now
1. Go organic in your backyard garden, which means more than just not using pesticides. It means rotating crops, companion planting, improving the soil with compost and other natural additives, providing water and food sources (like a berry bush) for birds and growing flowers that attract bees for pollination and beneficial insects for pest control.
You can even consider applying to the National Wildlife Federation (see www.nwf.org ) to have your yard certified as a Backyard Wildlife Habitat. If approved, you qualify for a cool sign which serves as a daily visual reminder of your commitment, and the designation can even help differentiate your home when you plan to sell.
2. Visit local organic farms. It's fun, and you'll see organic practices first-hand so you'll have a true understanding of how it works.
3. Support, support, support organic farmers. Here in Atlanta, Georgia Organics just published the 2006-07 Local Food Guide, which includes a long list of local organic farmers and farmers markets, plus restaurants and grocers that include local organic items. Download your copy at www.georgiaorganics.org.