It’s no secret that here at KOALA ECO, our focus is creating effective, non-toxic, plant-based products that are safe for you and your family, and friendly to the environment. However, household products are just one facet of our commitment to an eco-friendly lifestyle. From our fully recyclable packaging to our non-toxic ingredients, we’re always working to explore new ways to improve our overall sustainability and treat the environment with kindness.
That’s why community gardens have become an important point of interest to us. Besides providing a healthy activity for gardeners and novices alike to engage in, community gardens help leave the environment in a better place; something we strive to do here at KOALA ECO.
Here are some of the reasons we love the concept of community gardens.
Reduce your food miles
Consuming locally grown produce significantly cuts down on your ‘food miles’, a term that refers to the distance from the location your produce is grown to where you purchase it. Non-seasonal produce (think rockmelon in winter or mushrooms in summer) typically comes from further away, causing increased costs to both the environment and your grocery bill.
Additionally, when your food travels via air, land, or sea transportation that requires the use of fossil fuel, which increases pollution and uses more energy. Opting to consume your own fresh produce from a community garden is easier on your grocery bill, saves energy, and reduces environmental pollution.
Contribute to improved air quality
Reducing our carbon footprint is a hot topic of late, with many individuals and organisations alike looking for ways to neutralise their carbon emissions. Taking part in a community garden is a fun and effective way to reduce your carbon footprint by returning oxygen to the environment. Incase high school science class is a little blurry, here’s a quick recap - plants intake carbon dioxide (a type of greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming) and release oxygen into the air. So, by reaping the benefits of increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables, you’re also contributing positively to the environment.
Foster a sense of community
Community gardens can be particularly beneficial for children, the elderly, and potentially isolated people. Community gardens show children the benefits of hard work, teamwork, and patience while fostering a sense of community and togetherness in all gardeners.
Aid in fighting food insecurity
Food insecurity occurs when people do not have access to nutritious food, either due to a lack of affordability or lack of supply due to location. Though the majority of Australians are fortunate enough to have access to fresh produce, food insecurity remains a very real issue. By cultivating a community garden, you reduce the likelihood of food insecurity in your area and help improve the overall health of your community.
