Energy Now

Listen to a snippet from the Presidents first White House news conference here.  It is heartening to see that our government (finally?) means business for green energy, but important to remember that we all must do our part.  I believe in the power of one.  Do you?

And what does this have to do with home gardens, you may be asking yourself?  Everything.  Every little part that one family, one home, one apartment-dweller can do for a greener earth counts.  75% of buildings will be mandated energy efficient, 2 million homes will be weatherized and by 2011, all cars must operate on 35 miles per gallon of fuel.  So, what can you do to add to the numbers?

- Sequester carbon in your soil with home gardens.

- Water your plants efficiently with rain barrels.

- Zero waste in your kitchens.  Remember those carrots you forgot about in your refrigerator?  Don’t throw them out.  Saute them and freeze them in soup.  It took farmers (both near and far) fuel and energy to get them to us – it’s the least we can do.

Food Politics

One day this summer, I was standing in one of my favorite garden spots, owned by one of my favorite (and fabulous!) clients discussing compost and soil.  “Oh, no,” I said “you don’t want to buy compost from them.  They burn it before bagging and in essence kill all the microorganisms that you’re hoping for.”  She looked up at me, stunned and sighed “You mean, compost is political, too???”

With that, just when you thought you couldn’t know anymore about crop and subsidies and labeling and the such, the Canadian Grain Council rocks the boat with this startling revelation.  Let’s just say….some people ain’t too happy about it!

Michael Pollan Can Go on For Days….

…And he should.

Caught this segment this past week on NPR, but only just found the time to sit and listen today.  Not only did I listen, but I took notes.  Definitely speaks to the bigger picture (and yes, it’s much bigger than our own backyards) and I think that’s worth a listen.  If every one person did their part, imagine where we’d be?

Weekday with Steve Scher (who never seems to get my emails……..)