Earth Day Special: Part 2 – Food & Resources

Earth Day is here! It’s the perfect time to celebrate and protect our planet by taking part in activities that are environmentally friendly. 🌎

Remember that school experiment where you sprouted a seed in a petri dish and watched it grow? Your fourth-grade teacher probably used it to show you what plants need to survive. But when you scale up that concept to feed the world’s population, the resources required are staggering.

Most of Our Water Is Being Redirected to Agriculture

Agriculture is the largest user of freshwater globally, but much of that water goes to waste through runoff and evaporation. According to the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), roughly 60% of the water pumped for agricultural purposes never even reaches the plants.

This excessive water use leads to groundwater depletion, happening at alarming rates in the United States and globally. 🌱

One of the main benefits of hydroponic gardening is water efficiency. For example, hydroponically grown lettuce is about 14 times more water-efficient than conventionally grown lettuce. Imagine growing your own food at home while also helping the planet!

You can start your own hydroponic garden with lettuce and other seeds from our collection. Check them out here.

Chemicals Are Flooding Our Fields, Food, and Bodies

In our last blog, we talked about how agriculture impacts soil health and the risks of nutrient depletion. Most large-scale farms rely on chemical fertilizers, which often end up in water sources through runoff, harming both human health and ecosystems.

These chemicals not only affect us but also have a range of negative effects on the environment, from declining bee populations to increased cancer rates and even the creation of coastal dead zones caused by nitrogen fertilizer runoff.

Growing your own food at home allows you to control what chemicals, if any, are used. Start now with one of our seed kits, and take the first step toward healthier, eco-friendly eating! Check out our kits here.

Packaging and Transportation Costs the Earth More Than You Think

Food that’s not grown locally has to be packaged, refrigerated, and transported, often over long distances. This not only uses a huge amount of resources but also generates tons of waste.

The average American generates over 1,500 lbs of waste per year, much of which comes from packaging. Packaging materials like plastic contribute to pollution, while paper-based materials lead to deforestation.

The Worldwatch Institute reports that food now travels an average of 1,500 to 2,500 miles from farm to table, much farther than it did two decades ago. This travel consumes large amounts of non-renewable energy and increases our carbon footprint.

By growing your own food, you can significantly reduce packaging waste and food miles—from over 1,500 miles to just a few steps from your kitchen! 🌿

Start your own indoor garden today and make a positive impact on the planet. You’ll be amazed at the benefits!