I just wanted to share with you something that I heard today that makes me so happy. Michelle Obama, along with a group of 5th graders, broke ground for a White House garden on the south lawn today. This is the first vegetable garden on White House grounds since Eleanor Roosevelt's "victory garden" during World War II. Local food advocates have been pushing for this for years. In fact Alice Waters just spoke about it on this past Sunday's 60 Minutes. While many of our recent presidents have been fairly healthy individuals, and Laura Bush even mandated organic for the White House kitchen, none have been particularly vocal about healthy lifestyles. I am so glad to see the Obama's talking about health, in addition to demonstrating what healthy looks like. I applaud Michelle for being open about the challenges they had not to long ago with their children's weight and diet, and also the steps they have taken to improve their diet and involve the girls. If you like to see the layout of the new garden check here.
Eating local, fresh ingredients is not just for the privileged (as I fear the movement has come off of late). On the contrary, local, in-season ingredients should be, and usually are, less expensive and more nutritious than food grown half way 'round the globe. Almost everyone can grow something at home, even if you have little or no yard. Container gardening can yield a surprising amount of food. Even sprouting is a form of gardening and you can do it right in your kitchen! In addition, farmers markets are an excellent source of local, super-fresh produce at prices that usual beat out the mega-marts.
If you like more information about gardening in the city and growing food not lawns check out Path to Freedom. They are a wealth of knowledge. Click on the "Journal" tab on the left side to read their blog, which they update pretty regularly (aside: the family is vegetarian). Also, Simple, Green, Frugal Co-Op is a great blog that talks a lot about growing your own food, sustainability, simple living, and self-sufficiency (note: they do sometimes discuss raising animals for a variety of purposes).
So, on this my one year blog-iversery and the first day of Spring, I challenge all of you, plant at least one food this year. Even if you think you have no green thumb or no space or you rent. Then blog about it; share your triumphs and challenges, we can all learn from one another.
Happy first day of spring!
3 comments:
Congrats! I have really enjoyed your blog for the last few months. I am very excited about the White House garden. Maybe it will inspire others to plant a few veggies or herbs and enjoy some fresh, nutritious foods.
happy blog-iversary!
I'm just so tickled when I hear news like this about the Obama's. We totally deserve such an awesome first family.
I've been getting more and more excited about spring this year because I took an organic gardening class this year and want to use my knowledge.
Happy anniversary! This is a great idea! Some of our best friends are pretty fanatic about trying to get folks to plant food and then trade so we had already agreed to add vegetables to our garden this year. I'll have to blog about it given your invitation.
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