Creating a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle for all of North Texas…that’s what we’re all about! April is Earth month around here and for a good reason. It takes more than just one day to care for and celebrate our shared home. Let’s be honest – we live in a complicated (and beautiful) world! There are no easy answers when it comes to what is eco-friendly or sustainable, and often times, the more you try to uncover the more complicated the answer becomes. For example, many of us rely on labels but they often fall short of the whole story or can even mislead consumers – what does “natural” really mean? Luckily there are some key pathways of thinking that can simplify this complex idea of sustainability!
- Think about Positive Impact – Most of us have heard of our “Carbon Footprint” which is a useful metaphor, but it can be really discouraging with a surface-level view of it. The implication is to reduce your impact by stepping more lightly – unless we dig into this idea, we can be under the impression that our impact is only negative. However, that is so far from the way humans have traditionally understood our role in nature! As gardeners, and stewards, we can have a positive impact on our surroundings by growing food regeneratively, caring for the environment, and supporting others that do the same. Instead of looking for the “least” harmful solution, we can seek out the most beneficial actions.
- Support the Good you can SEE – It’s easy to become jaded when you feel like “eco-friendly” is just looking through a pair of green-colored glasses. Shady practices have always lurked behind social and environmental progress, but that doesn’t mean you have to let questionable companies pull the wool over your eyes! The Dallas Farmers Market is a great place to meet businesses that are making a visible impact right in our community. From providing educational opportunities, to participating in volunteer and philanthropic initiatives, it’s easy to support truly sustainable businesses when we start by supporting our best neighbors. Just another reason to know your farmers — and small business owners!
- Seek out Community – If you’re thinking — “Really? Another list of “Do This –> Not That”’, then we are on the same page! Check lists aren’t helpful, and as we’ve already mentioned, this is a complex world. That’s why community makes all the difference when you’re looking for sustainable steps to take. Communities set the norm and create pathways that make it easier to participate in positive impacts that you can see! Trying to compost when you live in an apartment is nearly impossible without a local community garden that accepts food scraps, buying food from a local farmer is difficult if there are no farmers in your area, and reducing your plastic consumption can be unrealistic if your only option is to buy toiletries at a box store. These challenges can be amplified by inequity and social hurdles. That’s where community comes into play! Through relationships, conversations, and putting-in work, we can support healthier, more sustainable lifestyles for all of North Texas–and beyond. We hope you come to meet your community at the Dallas Farmers Market!