Looking closer to home for sustainable practices

5 Aug

This article was originally published in issue 12 Tweed Coast Living

I have lived in rentals my whole life and have never felt like I could ‘lay down roots’, so to speak. Or invest in the growth of something that I would surely be leaving behind. It’s only since tending to a small piece of land myself, I am realising how that mindset was limiting. It’s surprisingly easy and financially worthwhile just to add a few little things to your garden, front door pots or even windowsill trays that I’m sure are not going to upset any landlords.

We are intimately connected with nature. There is something magical about consuming fresh leafy greens, herbs and vegetables that are minutes from being harvested. And it’s tangible too, with one study finding that tending to plants reduces anxiety, and produces a dopamine hit, which explains why many find it’s so rewarding!

An expression of gratitude for that harvest is felt at the table as well, which acts as a valuable lesson for the little ones. As the Bundjalung custodians of our land would agree, we should ‘only take as much as you are willing to give back’.

Don’t get hung up on the idea of permanency.

We, as well as the plants we grow, are all transient anyway.

Start small. Choose a few plants/herbs/flowers that will be useful in your home. Who doesn’t love free fresh flowers? The $3 herbs that I planted in a tiny garden patch have paid for themselves many, many times over, in the past couple of years and when they started getting too big, I’d cut a section of the root out and give some away. Most flower seeds that I have planted are annual which means they are temporary anyway. So, I can choose if I want to repurpose the seeds for the following year or not.

Those who love to get their hands dirty may know this already, even subconsciously, that gardening really is good for your body. Scientists have proven that contact with specific soil bacteria offers the release of serotonin in our brains, a happy and very natural high.

The ways in which to let your creativity thrive in a garden (no matter how small) is endless. I personally love to use herbs and flowers (such as rosemary, chamomile, calendula and lavender) from my garden to enhance body balms that I use on some of my clients. My husband makes chutney from our tamarillo tree for our friends and family.

Growing fresh produce for everyday kitchen and wellbeing uses is not only being eco conscious but can synchronise your body with nature. Tending to plants, even indoors, has additional mental health benefits as well, reducing physiological and psychological stress.

The act of rituals involved in being part of the growing process can make a big difference to our environment, our happiness, and overall outlook on life.