Victory gardens were popularized back during World War I and World War II. They were meant to help citizens provide for themselves in an attempt to help the war effort. In fact, almost one third of the vegetables consumed in the United States in 1943 came from these Victory Gardens. This time the effort is aimed at helping the environment.
What Is A Victory Garden?.
A victory garden is just a garden, but, at the same time, it is so much more. It is an effort to have citizens help to supply their own needs as far as vegetables are concerned. Its original intention was one of being a civic duty that would support the war effort. It was not meant to be a chore but a matter of pride in their country. It allowed everyone to do their part even if they could not be on the front lines. It has a different meaning today.
Why Bring Victory Gardens Back Now?.
Victory Gardens are still a way of showing pride, but their purpose is a little different. To understand the reasoning, you must know the average cost of food being transported from where it was produced to where you find it in your own neighborhood. The cost is measured in terms of miles traveled and the gallons of fuel it takes to transport it. On average, it travels a distance of 1,500 miles and uses up 400 gallons of fuel to be available for your convenience. Aside from being costly, this method of obtaining food has a large, and often unnecessary, contribution to the problems of pollution and global warming. You will also want to keep in mind the natural disasters that have interfered with the supplies of certain crops. By growing foods in your own backyard, you will know where they came from, what chemicals have been used on them, and you will know that they will be available. .
What About The President?.
Roger Doiron, a proponent of organic Victory Gardens, wants the President to plant one on the front lawn of the White House. He believes that this example would lead many citizens to plant their own gardens.