It wasn't that long ago that most households had a garden in the back yard that made a big contribution to the food people ate.

Now our lifestyles have changed and many of us don't even know how to garden. We buy the bulk of our fruit and vegetables at supermarkets, some of which are shipped from 1000's of kilometres away.

Create a garden at your place even if all you have space for is a few windowsill or patio pots. Or you could get a plot at a community garden if there is one nearby. You'll cut down on all the fossil fuels that are used to transport food here, you'll be able to turn your organic waste into compost for the garden and you'll enjoy eating fresh fruit and veges that you've planted.

 

How to grow your own garden

 

Island Bay Community Gardens

 

In 1950 in the United Kingdom (UK) 80% of a households expenditure went to small shops and co-ops. Now that same amount goes mainly to large, often multi-national supermarket chains.

Small businesses are often perceived to be more expensive than large chains. The chances are that if it costs more it's because it reflects the true cost of things like decent wages for staff.

Support small, local businesses and keep your community thriving.

 

Intensive farming practices have created unstable soils that need more and more chemicals added to them to control pests and fertilise the soil, until they are depleted of any nutrients. Organic farming uses natural pesticides and fertilizers, uses crop rotation and promotes natural pest predators and wildlife.

Buy certified organic food and products and you'll be buying things that have been grown without the use of synthetic agricultural chemicals like herbicides and processed without the use of synthetic additives like preservatives.

Organic certification for producers in New Zealand is overseen by Agri Quality, Bio Gro and Demeter. OrganicFarmNZ is a certification scheme for small-scale growers which enables consumers to identify growers in their region.

 

More about organic certification

 

True cost of conventional food

 

Safe Food Campaign

 

Some cleaning products contain chemicals that are toxic and harmful to the environment. They are discharged into our waste water systems and cause pollution in our waterways and can harm marine life. Buying products with natural and biodegradable ingredients are safer for the environment.

 

Healthy Alternatives to Household Chemicals

 

Avoid buying products from countries that use slave labour. Buy Fair Trade and the profits go directly to the producer. Many cafes, supermarkets and shops like Trade Aid and Commonsense stock Fair Trade products.

 

Trade Aid

 

Peoples Coffee

 

Common Sense Organics

 

Many packaged processed foods contain fats and additives that can contribute to obesity. Eating fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables means you get the nutritional benefits and this can help with dieting.

 

Healthy Eating - Healthy Action (Ministry of Health)

 

Best fish guide

 

Free-Range food (Green Party)