The Furious Spinner

It will come as no surprise to gardeners (or other reasonable peeps) that organic agriculture is, according to Stephen Leahy, "a potent tool to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases." He says it's a way "to alleviate poverty and improve food security in developing countries." And it's the way to go because of global warming. Leahy writes, "Organic agriculture's use of compost and crop diversity means it will also be able to better withstand the higher temperatures and more variable rainfall expected with global warming." According to the experts Leahy interviewed, "The problem of global hunger is not about food production—it is about poverty and food distribution, since the world already produces enough food."

Do you have a compost pile? They are so simple. We live in town, and we've got one in our back yard. Even if you don't use your compost for gardening, you are creating new soil. I often find the "how to" of composting more complicated than it needs to be. We throw on our uncooked kitchen scraps (veggies and fruits—no egg shells for us because of racoons), and then when we mow our lawn (with our electric mower) we rake up the grass and leaves and put them on top of the scraps. In a season or two, I've got rich nutrious soil to add to my garden—or I can leave it undisturbed. There are arguments that by setting up a compost pile, you're creating a new environment where lots of little buggies etc have set up home and shop; when you take a shovel to it, you are destroying that environment. You create it; you decide.

May You Garden (or Contemplate Your Future Garden) in Beauty! 1 comments

1 Comments:

Yes indeed, Sister Superior Kim Mermaid, organic gardening cuts down on greenhouse gases, and we have been doing it for years now - three compost bins in the garden, and composted material is moved from bin to bin as it ages and ripens. In springtime, all that rich composted material goes into the veggie patch and the resulting vegetables are wonderful eating - oh yes, and my roses are spectacular because of the compost tea (brewed from the comfrey trimmings ) which is added to their earth. Shucks, we should all be doing this. . .

Now if only we could do something about the distribution of food - you are so right. There is enough food being grown, but we are not sharing it as we should be. It angers me to think of those who are suffering because we will not share the wealth. Love and Yule hugs, Cate

By kerrdelune, at 3:45 PM  

Post a Comment

All photographs and written material copyright © 2003-2007 by Kim Antieau unless otherwise indicated. May not be used without permission.