In this space each week, I want to highlight everything that is healthy, that is healing in our food growing methods, in our communities, gardens and farms. I want you to regain some balance to the mass-teria hurtling at us on Facebook, Twitter, other social media and the news services in general. Instead, I want to share with you the ideas, individuals or groups that taught me or shared with me how they were "winning" big battles with small endeavors, literally from all over the world and across the creativity spectrum.
One such person is Dr. Job Ebenezer, the gentleman in the middle of this photo and founder of Technology for the Poor. Ebenezer took container gardening to a whole new level when he took over the roof of parking garage in Chicago and covered it with.....kid's swimming pools. You can learn how he did it on his website and in my book where I write about Dr. Job and others who have courageously sought simple solutions in contrast to unsustainable, unlimited growth, especially for that most fundamental of needs (next to air and water): food.
When I was young, my brother and I were often admonished by our mother to eat everything on our plates as there were "starving children in China" and we shouldn't be wasting food. There were two thoughts from that statement that haunted me for decades: 1) how could anyone, especially a mom or dad let their children go hungry, and; 2) how did kids in China eat Brussels sprouts with chopsticks? OK, I was very young and practical, to boot. Today you could fill in the blank with children going hungry in probably every country on the planet.One such person is Dr. Job Ebenezer, the gentleman in the middle of this photo and founder of Technology for the Poor. Ebenezer took container gardening to a whole new level when he took over the roof of parking garage in Chicago and covered it with.....kid's swimming pools. You can learn how he did it on his website and in my book where I write about Dr. Job and others who have courageously sought simple solutions in contrast to unsustainable, unlimited growth, especially for that most fundamental of needs (next to air and water): food.
So while the problem of hunger still exists, even in a world that produces enough food to feed every single person, I chose to begin this blog after publishing my book by the same name as an antidote to the hand-wringing and political ranting that is so much a part of our lives today. Yes, we still have genetically modified seeds, and, yes, our soils are depleted and fresh water supplies from our aquifers are drying up. I know that. And so do you. Yet....there are many more hopeful indicators and inspiring programs around us if we will take the time to see them, connect with them, replicate them, expand upon them.
Wise people, beautiful, soulful people, like my mother, realize that food is life and life is a Blessing, given to all of us equally. Feeding a child or a family or even a nation starts not with mega-millions of dollars or thousands of acres of land. It begins with a single seed. Planted perhaps in a small wading pool. That seed is hope.
Here on simply garden small! we will bring you all that is positive, uplifting, wise, wonderful and helpful about growing food, tending the land and feeding people, from all around the world. Programs, projects, books, resources, and, yes, even recipes. These may not make the national news, but if they benefit one person or school or non-profit, mission accomplished. And that's just awesomeness! Till next time...keep dancing!
To be sure to receive each edition of my blog and all the great info, simply add your name to the email list. Thanks!
Many blessings, Yvonne
PS: Buy my book. It's awesome! (And helps support a great organization, too.)
No comments:
Post a Comment