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Weighing Your Options
Advantages of Urban FarmingHealth & Education
“The more you know the less you need”, echo philosophers throughout history. The same rings equally true for possessing the skills to cultivate one’s own food. Studies reveal gardeners consume a higher percentage of daily recommended fruit and vegetable servings than non-gardeners. “The full-sensory experience of eating fresh-picked produce and/or the activity of producing vegetables appears to enhance fruit and vegetable consumption among some ethnic groups.” It’s also found the instructional gardening programs for youth and the elderly aid to longer life expectancy. “Even moderate forms of garden exercise increase muscle strength and endurance in activity-reduced persons including pregnant women, cancer survivors, and those generally sedentary. Gardening and nature-adventure education in after-school programs increased energy expenditures of 12 year olds by 60 percent.” (Health Benefits of Urban Agriculture, written by The Community Food Security Coalition) Economy & Food Security
Globalized food production and distribution aid to the increasing gap between the American middle class (the working poor) and the wealthy. The demand for inexpensive goods has caused purchasing power (the worth of the US dollar) to decrease significantly; thus, resulting in insecure food conditions. “Despite the high yields and great abundance of the food supply, 10% of all households in the United States (approximately 33 million people) go hungry on a regular basis.” (Urban Agriculture as a Solution to Food Insecurity: West Oakland and People’s Grocery, written by Nina Haletky & Own Taylor) Food insecurity is the risk of being without or general lack of nourishment to individuals and families. Access to fresh fruits and vegetables through CSA's (community supported agriculture) and community gardens refines this large scale societal insufficiency. “US federal programs encourage direct marketing of fresh produce through farm stands and farmers markets. Many of these programs also incorporate voucher and electronic benefits transfer (EBT) redemption programs.” (http://foodsecurity.org/) Crime
“Vacant and unattended residential properties can attract crime, cause blight, and pose a threat to public safety.” (http://goa.gov/) Research shows that zones of greenery are less susceptible to criminal activity, and even restore a sense of communal merit and pride in residents. “The presence of vegetable gardens in inner-city neighborhoods is positively correlated with decrease in crime, trash dumping, juvenile delinquency, fires, violent deaths, and mental illness.” (http://foodsecurity.org/) |
Disadvantages of Urban Farming Pollutant Exposure
Perhaps the most controversial concern of urban farming on previously used land is exposure to hazardous materials. “The term ‘brownfield site’ means real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” (H.R.2869, 2002) This constitutes an immense problem because participants of urban gardening comprise of children and families. If not taken care of with great caution potential brownfield sites result in the harm or possibly death of community members. “…Soils containing toxic levels of heavy metals including lead, cadmium, mercury, nickel, and copper. The type of heavy metal depends on the source: paint, gas or oil, waste incineration, lead pipes, specific industries, etc. Dangers include direct absorption of toxics through ingestion … and indirect consumption through foods grown on the land that may have absorbed the toxins.” (http://foodsecurity.org/) The EPA suggests the following procedures when beginning urban agriculture projects of contaminated soil: 1. Survey the property and identify potential risks and contaminants for testing. 2. Test your soil. Consider likely environmental contaminants, pH, organic content, and soil nutrients needed for healthy plant growth. 3. Clean contaminants and add soil amendments to create a safe growing environment. 4. Consider garden design including location, crops, water, sunlight, lighting, and accessibility. 5. Construct the garden to accommodate children, the elderly, and people all abilities. Raised beds, wider paths, and benches can all be used to create a more usable space. 6. Plant a safe and healthy garden and enjoy your growing community. |