Going Green: Organic Gardening and the Environmental Revolution
Today more than ever, people are looking to go "green". Patrick Frink and his family have worked hard over the years to develop a lifestyle that is sustainable and environmentally conscious, beginning with a switch to vegetarianism in the early 1990s. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it! Now, Patrick Frink's children have passed their habits and diets down to their children, helping them to stay healthy and "green" as they grow up. They really enjoy working together in the garden, especially when the veggies are picked and made in to tasty dishes for dinner. Eating and farming organically has become a family pastime for the Frinks.
About Organic Farmer, Patrick Frink
Patrick Frink is a fertilizer wholesaler and organic farming expert located in the Ritzville, WA area. He runs a successful fertilizer distribution company as well as a private farming consultation business, which helps pair farms of all sizes with organic and environmentally friendly fertilization solutions.
This site will discuss not only the benefits of organic farming and produce, but Patrick Frink’s own personal organic holistic farm in Ritzville, WA. Currently, Mr. Frink does not sell the produce generated on his family farm on a large scale, but has been known to occasionally set up a table at local farmers markets during an especially good growing season.
The Frink Family Says: Quick Tips for Going Green
Organic living goes beyond the concept of organics and all-natural farming. It falls under another popular notion that seems to be on the rise- the “going green” movement. Those who have decided to “go green,” or essentially transform their everyday activities into environmentally friendly practices, are now more than ever looking for ways to make every aspect of life sustainable. And manufacturers are complying. Today there are countless alternative products that are designed to be healthier for the environment than their counterparts. The market of conservation is a lucrative business at this point in time. People around the world are joining the trend and doing their part to contribute to the earth’s preservation. However, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with this idea and completely lose sight of the goal. With as much talk as there is presently about global warming, greenhouse gases, fuel emissions, organic farming, and sustainable living, it’s no wonder people are getting confused. Some even believe that they hold no weight in the issue, that their efforts won’t make any difference at all. This line of thought, while understandable, is very dangerous. We simply cannot leave conservation up to others. It must start and end with us. Even as an individual, you can make a difference. There are many ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint. From eating organic food to driving hybrid cars, “going green” has never been easier. Here are just a few of the techniques you can implement in order to make your life a bit more ecologically friendly.
Use Recycled Paper and Products
This is somewhat of an obvious method, but many people don’t know the extent to which products are now made of recycled materials. Not only are recycled printer and writing paper becoming more and more popular, but recycled toilet paper, paper towels, books, newspapers, and more are also available. Look for the packaging to say “made from recycled paper/material.” Some people believe that recycled products are of worse quality than their counterparts. However, recycled products are just as useful and effective as newer ones. They can provide the same utility and function. And, fortunately, prominent companies are now featuring all-natural versions of their most popular products. Even corporate America is realizing the need for conservation and is changing their policies and practices to reach that goal.
Turn Off the Lights and Water
One of the most difficult tasks for us as humans to take on is to realize what electronics are being left on in the house when we aren’t using them. We have become a society so reliant on technology that often we don’t even notice how many devices we are truly forgetting to turn off. Lights are the most obvious examples of this mistake. When leaving a room, make sure all of the lights and lamps are turned off, especially during the day. If you need a light on to help see during the night, try using little nightlights that can plug in easily into any outlet.
In addition, many of us don’t realize that turning of the TV or DVD player doesn’t mean the appliance is necessarily off. We often leave these electronics on standby mode. In this state, the device may seem like it is off, but is in fact still very much on. As long as the device is plugged in and on standby mode, it is using energy. Walk around your house and see what appliances are plugged in. Then find out if they are on standby or not. If so, turn them completely off until you are ready for the next use.
The same concept applies to the sinks in your house. Make sure that when you leave the kitchen or bathroom that your faucets aren’t dripping. There may be drips even without being able to hear them. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth. You can also walk around your house to find out if you have any water leaks. Check faucets, pipes, and even the hose outside for any dripping water. If your hose is dripping, duct tape works well to cover small holes. If you have drips inside, you may need to call a plumber to fix the situation. It’s a small price to pay for environmental conservation.
Teach Green
If you are a parent of a young child, you probably work with him or her on a regular basis to teach them about numbers, grammar, shapes, colors, etc. Your teaching sessions can serve as a great time to also educate your child on the benefits of a green lifestyle. It is difficult for adults to implement conservational habits because we are so used to a wasteful existence. After all, our waste and carelessness have been the main catalysts of global warming. If we had perhaps taken a bit more care of the environment and been taught techniques to do so at a younger age, we might be in a better position today. Though it may seem like a daunting task, teach your children about the advantages of an all-natural lifestyle. It can be as simple as asking them to help you sort the recyclables or having them help you plant an organic garden. The younger you begin to educate your children on the environment, the more able and willing they will be to adopt those routines later in life.
Batteries
Rechargeable batteries are the wave of the future. You can find them almost anywhere these days and they can be recharged over and over again. If you must purchase single-use batteries, make sure you dispose of them properly. Throwing them away in your home trashcan is very damaging to the environment, as the chemicals from the batteries are harmful to water supplies and animals. Many communities have battery deposit centers. If you don’t know of any in your area, you can look online or call your local waste disposal site.
No More Fast Food!
Although the fast food industry is such a lucrative one, most fast food restaurants are very wasteful and harmful to the environment. They constantly throw away vegetables that have spoiled because they weren’t used in time. If you look in the back of any given fast food restaurant, you will no doubt find mounds upon mounds of trash. Not only do they waste large amounts of food, but their packaging materials are also most often not sustainable. They use non-recycled cardboard and paper products and those consuming these products are not usually recycling them. With the fast food industry, the cycle of waste never ends.
Compost
One great way to make your life a bit more ecologically friendly at home is to start a compost pile. Designate a Tupperware item in your kitchen (with a lid) as the compost receptacle. Anything that is biodegradable can be put in this bin. Don’t throw away half-eaten hamburger buns or broccoli stems- put them in your compost bin. When it fills up, throw the contents in a pile in your backyard. This material can be used to fertilize any plants or soil you wish. The compost bin in your kitchen can help reduce large amounts of food that would otherwise go to waste. Just make sure to keep a lid on it!
Polluters
Have you ever been stuck behind a car that is emitting large amounts of black smoke from its tailpipe and wondered just how bad that is for the environment? Cars give off enough pollution as it is. If there is a car on the road that is visibly releasing black gases, that car is no doubt contributing to the greenhouse effect. It is very irresponsible to allow this to happen to your own car without first taking it to the mechanic. By the same token, if you notice someone whose car is sputtering and releasing smoke, it is careless not to take some kind of action. There are numbers you can call to report these offenders. Do a quick Internet search to find out your state’s number and store it in your phone in case you come across a polluter.