Next Generation Landscape Contractors is dedicated to making Planet Earth Great again. Here are some simple steps that you can do at home to actually start reversing the negative effects of climate change.
It’s time to shift our focus from just being "sustainable" to embracing a more exciting idea: being "regenerative!" Join our wonderful friends Ron Finley and Rosario Dawson as they guide you on this journey in the premiere of their new video from Kiss The Ground and Green America. Discover how you can create Climate Victory Gardens that not only sustain but also rejuvenate our planet!
1) Safley dispose of all chemicals
If you dont want it in your body, you don't want it in your soil. Proper disposal of chemicals is crucial for protecting both human health and the environment. Even products sold over the counter may pose risks if improperly discarded. The FDA approval process is not infallible, and some substances initially deemed safe have later been found to have serious health consequences.A notable example is glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicides. Initially approved in 1974, glyphosate has since been associated with various health concerns, including cancer. Its widespread use increased dramatically with the introduction of genetically modified crops resistant to the herbicide. By 2017, Americans' exposure to glyphosate had increased by approximately 500% since 1996.
The controversy surrounding glyphosate highlights the importance of cautious chemical use and disposal:
Over 400,000 lawsuits have been filed against Roundup's manufacturer, alleging links to cancer. (https://news.yale.edu/2017/05/09/new-safety-concerns-identified-1-3-fda-approved-drugs)
As of 2018, about 90% of corn and 94% of soybeans in the U.S. were engineered to tolerate herbicides like glyphosate. (https://news.yale.edu/2017/05/09/new-safety-concerns-identified-1-3-fda-approved-drugs)
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Best practices for chemical disposal:
Read labels carefully for specific disposal instructions.
Never pour chemicals down drains or onto soil.
Use local hazardous waste collection sites for proper disposal.
Consider alternatives to chemical-heavy products when possible.
By responsibly managing chemical use and disposal, we can better protect our health and the environment for future generations.
2) Keep your soil covered
Cover crops play a crucial role in protecting soil from erosion and maintaining its health. They help prevent dust storms, which can cause significant soil loss, especially in dry areas. These storms not only remove topsoil but also strip away organic matter and nutrient-rich particles, reducing agricultural productivity.
The Dust Bowl of the 1930s serves as a stark reminder of the importance of soil protection. This ecological disaster, caused by severe drought and inappropriate farming practices like over-plowing, devastated the American and Canadian prairies. It demonstrates the need for sustainable farming methods, including the use of cover crops.Cover crops offer several benefits:
They protect the soil from wind and water erosion
They maintain soil structure and prevent compaction
They add organic matter to the soil, improving its fertility
They help retain moisture in the soil
By implementing cover cropping, farmers can avoid the pitfalls of excessive tilling and maintain healthy, productive soil. This practice is a key component of sustainable agriculture, helping to preserve our soil resources for future generations
3) Encourage bio diversity in plant's in your regenerative garden
Biodiversity is essential for a thriving regenerative garden. The more life that inhabits your space, the healthier it becomes. In a regenerative garden, soil organisms and insects improve soil conditions, while birds and predatory insects help keep pests under control. By fostering biodiversity in your regenerative garden, you create a balanced ecosystem that enhances pollination and increases yields. Embracing this approach not only supports your plants but also attracts a variety of wildlife, making your regenerative garden a vibrant and sustainable environment. In other words keep the carbon in the ground, the more living organisms... The better.
4) Grow your own food
Growing your own food isn't just healthier for your immune system and body; it’s also a fantastic way to start reducing our everyday carbon footprint. A regenerative garden helps the environment by decreasing air and noise pollution, minimizing erosion, and lowering energy costs. According to Best Spy, "Gardens help the environment by reducing air and noise pollution, erosion, and energy costs, filtering groundwater, and providing food and homes for various animals and insects." A regenerative garden is not only beneficial for you but also for the planet, as it reduces the carbon footprint of your food by shortening the distance from farm to kitchen table. Additionally, as noted by Terrapass, planting trees in a regenerative garden helps store carbon from the atmosphere into the soil.
5) Compost
Compost is a probiotic regenerative source to use for your soil and it can come right from your kitchen and back yard. Composting "Helps soils hold or sequester carbon dioxide. In addition to emission reductions, compost replenishes and revitalizes exhausted farm soils by replacing trace minerals and organic material, reduces soil erosion and helps prevent storm water runoff. Recycling is an effective way to reduce greenhouse gases," according to eurekarecycling.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/composting.
Jason's Video
Kiss the Ground recently visited Mraz Family Farms, where Alison Teal from alisonsadventures.com engaged in a fascinating conversation about composting and regenerative agriculture with Grammy-winning artist Jason Mraz. At his 17-acre farm in San Diego, Mraz passionately shares his journey of transforming the land into an organic oasis, cultivating avocados, passionfruit, and coffee. He emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and how they can inspire others to reconnect with nature. Through this collaboration, they explore how regenerative agriculture not only enhances soil health but also fosters a vibrant ecosystem that benefits both people and the planet.
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