Grow A Garden, Save The World
Posted by Kate on Monday, August 20th, 2012
When people think about farming in Florida, they probably think of oranges. Florida is a southern, sunny state known for its orange juice, so it’s not unreasonable to assume that oranges are a major cash crop. By they are rivaled by another multibillion dollar produce powerhouse: tomatoes.
Image source: Naturalhealthfairy.com
Florida is actually the nation’s largest producer of tomatoes. I grew up in Florida, so close to the Tropicana orange juice plant they we could smell the oranges being pulped during gym if class was held outside. But even as a kid, I knew tomatoes were also big business. My childhood best friend lived in the nicest house I had ever seen, and I heard my parents refer to him a tomato salesman. I assumed that meant he was one of those guys who sold tomatoes out of the back of a pickup truck by the side of the road, but I realize now he was probably much higher up the tomato sales food chain to afford such a grand and well-appointed house.
Image source: Ionpoverty.tv/blog
What I did not know until recently is that the Florida tomato industry is rife with corruption which has led many tomato pickers to be treated like modern-day slaves. It was really heartbreaking to me. I take a lot of pride in where I’m from, and it’s disappointing to know that a staple of my local economy that has made some people very wealthy is exploiting others. I immediately resolved to only buy my tomatoes from local farms, so I can ensure I am supporting places that treat their workers well.
Image source: Varietybackyard.net
Then I thought, why not take it farther and grow my own tomatoes? By growing my own produce I am lowering my carbon footprint and saving my family money, and I can be positive that no one was exploited so that I could eat a beautiful garden-fresh salad. I carefully selected a tomato and basil seed starting kit that makes organic growing easy for even a novice gardener like me. Now, I can look right out of my kitchen window and watch my food grow before my very eyes. I can be confident that I am doing something great for my family and great for the environment, while doing my part to stop supporting an industry that harms hardworking people.
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