Every summer, it amazes me how quickly the weeks pass by. Our vines in California and BC are producing more fruit than any other time of year thanks to longer sunny days. Since launching our 365Green contest, it feels like things are moving even faster.
It is inspiring to read the hundreds of sustainability stories being shared via contest entries. What I really like is how simple many of them are; the only cost to put into practice is time and effort. And while it seems like there is never enough time in the day, I am certain we could all be a little greener at the expense of 5 or 10 minutes.
Here are just a few of the simple sustainability stories that stood out.
Steve P of San Diego, California wrote:
“By recycling kitchen waste into a vermicomposting system, and using the castings to grow vegetables, nothing is ever really “wasted.” It just converts back into living matter which is consumed. The garden is sustained by harvesting rain water. Watching plants grow from seed is a very rewarding experience.”
Well Steve, I couldn’t agree more with you on the reward of watching plants grow from seed. We sow over 9 million seeds a year through our propagation business which was featured in a previous blog, ‘Sprouting Life’. At the top of this blog you can see Steve’s garden including his rain barrels. Good stuff!
Brenda B from Castlegar, BC shared a similar story as she composts and has rain barrels for watering her garden. She takes it a step further:
“… I also try and use natural products for pest and fertilizing. Example: crushed egg shells to prevent slugs…”
Melinda Z from Malibu, CA, just down the road from Houweling’s in Camarillo,’ harnesses the sun’s power by choosing to hang her laundry to dry on a clothesline instead of using electricity to power her indoor drier.
One more simple solution I will share came from Val F of Eugene, Oregon.
“Even something as simple as digging coffee grounds and banana peels makes a difference, and your roses and vegetable garden will love them both! Sustainability means a better, healthier future and a better world to live in for my children and my grandchildren ~ one of each in my picture below.”
Well it is that easy folks… Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and the world will be a better place.
Please keep the submissions coming and get your chance to win tasty Houweling’s Tomatoes for a year by entering at www.winfreetomatoes.com
With my regards,
