“In other environmental issues we tell people to stop something, reduce their impact, reduce their damage,” – US Ecologist Gary Nabhan
Since the beginning of the green movement, there has been a rise in the number of organizations and businesses that are doing their part in the promotion of sustainability through conservation. This past Earth Day brought about the Earth Day Network, which has been playing its part to bring conservationist and green enthusiasts together, sharing ideas and discussing new ways to support the planet. Other large organizations non profits, Doug Band, like the CGI (Clinton Global Initiative) have been working on successful emission reduction projects in the San Francisco Bay area. All the while, the climate is continuing to worsen, and individual, as well as collaborative acts, are important for any successful green campaign. As human beings, we’re constantly told to reduce our carbon footprint, consume less unhealthy foods, and spend less time in the shower! But let’s take a minute to step back and look at this from a different perspective; one that Gary Nabhan suggests
Gary Paul Nabhan, phD., is a Arab-American writer/conservationist who’s extensive farming work in the U.S./Mexico borderlands region has made him world renown. Specifically speaking, Nabhan is known for his work in biodiversity as an ethnobotanist. His uplifting messages and attitude towards life and culture has granted us access to multiple beneficial theories including his latest of eat what you conserve.
According to The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, about three quarters of the genetic diversity of crops been vanished over the last century and that a dozen species now gives 90% of the animal protein eaten globally. In accordance, just 4 crop species supply half of plant based calories in the human diet.
Nabhan claims that by eating the fruits and vegetables that we are attempting to conserve/save, we’re promoting the granular dissemination of various plant species. But this goes beyond what we typically buy in supermarkets, particularly because of price and abundance. We must remember to try new things and immerse ourselves in the very concept of diversity. Keep in mind; the benefits of splurging for that costly fruit/vegetable supremely outweigh the cons. Not only does one promote biodiversity and further eliminate the need of farmers to remove rare, less purchased crops off their agenda, but one also effectively encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Agriculturist Marco Contiero mentions that “biodiversity is an essential characteristic of any sustainable agricultural system, especially in the context of climate change. Contiero believes that people should eat localized crops, spending less time purchasing imports and becoming heavily reliant.
According to Conterio’s theory, this would suggest that we, as individuals, tend our own crops/plants, and make sure to purchase localized farm products at supermarkets and groceries. In the end, this condenses export/import reliance, thus reducing our carbon footprint.
Nabhma and Contiero’s theories both rely profoundly on an action oriented approach at conservation and sustainability. With an abundance of green movements following Earth Day 2010, organizations and individuals have taken a stronger following to expert opinions like the ones demonstrated by both of these highly influential agriculturalists. So remember, when the fall season approaches, be sure to visit your local apple orchard to pick some fresh fruit. Also, as eco-conscious individuals, don’t hesitate to stop the next time you drive by a yard stand with fresh crops. Promoting biodiversity and localized farming is a crucial piece of the conservation puzzle.
Submitted by Guest Blogger: Jack Lundee – Supporter of all things green and progressive. You can purchase Gary Nabhan’s Book Coming Home to Eat: The Pleasures and Politics of Local Food
Of course it’s nice to buy local produce, but lots of times it’s difficult. We have a number of fruit trees and a vegetable garden. We compost, use “weed tea” as a fertilizer and do grow earth worms.
Still, when we attended a party where all of the food was made with locally grown or obtained ingredients we learned how difficult it could actually be. Our friends went to the ocean and used sea water to make salt. And they pressed macadamia nuts from their trees to make some oil. It was definitely an eye opening experience.
Joe
That is great you do all that, and your right how many people would go and make salt out of ocean water! I am impressed. It’s funny last nite I was speaking to my aunt who constantly complains about products made in China and how expensive food it. I asked her if she would pay more for product grown locally and made in the USA. ‘It depends on the cost’. Would she grow her own food instead of her roses, no, but lets complain about the cost of food. I don’t get it!
Part of the problem that I think most of us have is trying to justify the costs of what is actually much better for us – and the environment. It’s that way with almost everything in our lives. I think that all of us need to start thinking more about the hidden costs of what we buy, whether it’s paying higher medical bills (and sometimes with our lives) for pesticide laden commercially grown veggies, or buying products loaded with harmful materials like the cheap drywall from China that ended up destroying homes.
Now, let me get back to the garden…
Joe
Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!
Thank you for providing niche information about green living. And for helping conserve our Mother Earth!
Most people do not realize how big of an impact our farming has on our water and energy use, since we don’t see it.
When looking at the price of sustainable products vs. chinese goods or mass produced corporate goods, it is of course important to look beyond the price tag at the environmental and social costs.
However, if we are going to convince people to live more sustainably, helping them save energy and water is a good start, since this will help their pocket books as well as the environment.