It is most appropriate that Thanksgiving is a celebration to give thanks for the bounty of the harvest that is shared with family and friends. But, what is really being shared is energy that is tasty, colourful, and nutritious!
Yes, food is energy, and just like every other kind of energy, it is not easy to produce, and merits conservation.
Growing my own vegetables gave me a greater appreciation of all the things that can go wrong before I can put a picked tomato or snow pea in my mouth! I also know I would starve if I had to eat only from my garden.
Having enough food to eat at the table is truly a miracle, similar to having a healthy baby.
When I first started gardening, I armed myself with all the recommended pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. Realizing that earwigs and other insects became more prolific as they adapted to the chemicals, I stopped using them, and over a couple of seasons, their numbers dropped. Now, I don’t have pests.in the garden.
I realized healthy plants can fend for themselves much better if they have healthy soil, and enough water.
From my little vegetable patch, I was rewarded with tomatoes that smell like a tomato, and taste sweet; Brussel sprouts that are not bitter; and cucumbers with delicate skins that don’t need to be peeled!
Best of all, my organic chemical free garden is lower maintenance.
My gardening experience prompted me to buy organic fruits and vegetables. I’ve passed several blind taste tests between organic and regular fruits, and vegetables so the difference is real.
Buying organics is not a luxury, but a socially, environmentally, and economically sound purchase that is worth the premium. Let me tell you why.
First of all, I save lots of money by not being medicated. Medication costs much more than organic food, and it doesn’t taste good.
Second, people think I’m a good/great cook. If organic butter, sea salt, and ground pepper makes me a great cook, I’ll take it! I took my cue from sushi: use the best quality, and keep it simple.
Third, organic produce, and meats are more nutritious. I need only a small portion of meat to feel sated without getting hungry in an hour.
Fourth, I throw out very little food because it doesn’t go bad as quickly. It also means I don’t have to buy twice as often.
So, if you want to eat sustainably, choose to eat organic, and remember to compost.
Nature is far more efficient than humans when it comes to using energy, and conserving it, and give thanks when you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal!
Sharolyn Mathieu Vettese
President
SMV Energy Solutions
.