Growing your own food is a hands-on way to lower your food carbon footprint.
And it’s a great activity for the entire family!
The great thing about home gardening is that it can be done on any scale. If a backyard vegetable plot sounds too intimidating, start with a windowsill herb planter or individual potted plants. Home gardens are versatile, and can be cultivated by anyone with access to a patch of sunlight.
If you produce more than you can use, donate to a food pantry and they will distribute it to those who are food insecure among us.
Because trees, plants, grasses and other living things soak up carbon and store it in the ground, healthy soil and proper land management practices are an essential part of the climate solution – whether in your own yard, by the farmer who grows your food, or by the stewards who manage our land.
Carbon rich soil should be full of organic matter and microorganisms that support a healthy plant life. Our resources page has some actions you can take to assess (test) and improve your soil to increase your land’s water and carbon retention value. You will also have healthier plants.
First, learn more about what soil has to do with climate change from Kiss the Ground.
Looking to find your green thumb and start a garden? There are lots of ways to get involved and learn around Westchester!