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Empowering Sustainable Choices:
The Role of YESHorticulture in Combatting Industrial Agriculture's Impact
Industrial agriculture is one of the significant culprits behind global ecosystem degradation, impacting the three major carbon sinks: oceans, soil, and forests.
When rain washes excess chemicals and fertilizers from farmlands into rivers like the Mississippi, these substances eventually make their way to the ocean. In the Gulf of Mexico, for instance, this can lead to eutrophication. This phenomenon occurs when an overabundance of nutrients, such as fertilizers, stimulates excessive algae growth. These massive algae blooms can subsequently result in 'dead zones' where little marine life can survive
The repetitive tilling of fields is another agricultural practice that negatively affects the environment. This activity releases stored CO2 from the soil, compromises its structure, and accelerates soil erosion and runoff.
Forests, particularly the Amazon rainforest, bear the brunt of agricultural expansion. Here, large-scale farmers employ the slash-and-burn method to make space for crops and livestock. Burning the vegetation enriches the typically nutrient-poor rainforest soil temporarily, but this boost is short-lived. As the soil quality degrades again over time, the cycle of deforestation continues.
But there's a silver lining. By growing your own food and supporting local growers, you can sidestep these detrimental practices, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy wholesome, chemical-free food. This is where YESHorticulture steps in.
YESHorticulture, standing for Youth for Environmental and Sustainable Horticulture, is a branch of the YESAction initiatives. Through this program, you'll gain hands-on experience in setting up various gardens—be it community, school, or home-based. Dive deep into the world of agriculture and horticulture as you explore techniques like companion planting, aeroponics, hydroponics, crop diversity, and beyond. Engaging with YESHorticulture is more than just gardening—it's your chance to nurture a sustainable future for your community and our planet.
Alexis Anderson
Director of YESHorticulture
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