Supported by research from the United Nations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and leading environmental academic institutions, we delve into the reasons why transforming our spaces into productive food gardens is not just a hobby, but an essential practice for our times.
Here are some thoughts on how your home garden contributes to a healthier planet and a more resilient food system:
Reduced reliance on industrial agriculture: Growing your own food reduces your carbon footprint and supports sustainable farming practices.
Increased food security: Homegrown food provides a safety net against disruptions in the food supply chain, offering fresh, healthy options close to home.
Empowerment and connection: Gardening fosters a sense of accomplishment and connects you to the natural world and your local community.
Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems: Home gardens attract pollinators, promote biodiversity, and contribute to healthy soil and water systems.
Some supporting numbers to chew on:
Industrial Agriculture's Legacy
A staggering 45% of all fruits and vegetables produced worldwide go to waste. This fact highlights a profound inefficiency in our food system. Nearly half of the nutritious food cultivated is never consumed, contributing to environmental degradation without fulfilling its primary purpose of feeding people.
Source: FAO Infographic – Global Initiative on Food Loss and Waste Reduction
The Economy of You
Home gardening emerges as a potent antidote to the modern woes of price spikes and shortages. The average garden provides a $677 value in produce. In a world where a $10 lettuce has become a possibility, the economic benefits of planting your food are undeniable.
Source: What Are the Economic Costs and Benefits of Home Vegetable Gardens?
Vegetable Road Rage
In the United States, the average vegetable travels an astonishing distance from farm to plate. This journey doesn't just contribute to carbon emissions; it also results in up to 80% nutrient loss by the time these vegetables reach our plates. The nutrient value and environmental cost are significant factors to consider.
Source: How far did your food travel to get to you?
Your Patch vs. Industrial Farm
Home gardening is vastly more sustainable than industrial agriculture. When food is grown at home, it emits 81% per kg less CO2 compared to industrial agriculture. In contrast to the monoculture, pesticide use, processing, and plastic packaging of industrial farming, home gardening is a simple, clean process.
Source: Greenhouse Gases Emission from Urban vs. Conventional Produce Production
It Just Takes One Seed
If 1 in 4 households were to grow lettuce at home, 675 million salad mix bags could be saved annually. This shift would greatly reduce the usage of single-use plastic bags, illustrating the collective impact of individual choices.
Source: North America Packaged Salad Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report
Protects the Crops, Not You
By opting for homegrown vegetables, we could reduce pesticide usage by 95%. This not only benefits the environment but also ensures that the food we consume is healthier and free from harmful chemicals.
Source: Economic and environmental impacts of pesticide use in home vegetable gardens in Florida.
Homegrown for Good Health
Individuals consuming homegrown produce are 3.5 times more likely to meet their nutritional needs. This stark difference underscores the health benefits of consuming fresh, nutrient-rich food directly from our gardens.
Source: Fruit and vegetable intake among urban community gardeners
Municipal water used for ornamental gardens
A surprising 50% of outdoor water use is wasted, often on ornamental landscapes. By redirecting this water to grow edible gardens, we can make more efficient and beneficial use of this precious resource.
