What You Can Do About Food & Fuel Prices

We have the power, in our own hands, to slow or stop the rise of fuel and food prices. The solution is easier than you might imagine, eloquent in its simplicity, and you can put it into action without making a time or monetary investment. To understand how this can work, first we will explore the connection between the price of food and the price of fuel.

Most of the food available at grocery stores, supermarkets, and discount chains is produced by large factory farms. Whether we are talking about huge acreages in corn, wheat, or lettuce, poultry and hog houses, or feed lots, all of these enterprises use huge amounts of fuel to produce the food we eat.

Taking a look at field and row crops, first, the land is plowed with large fuel hungry equipment, similar equipment is used for planting, controlling weeds, applying fertilizers and chemicals, and it may also be used to harvest the crop. The produce or grain is then processed, often by more fuel hungry machinery, stored in (energy consuming) climate controlled buildings, transported by fuel guzzling trucks or trains, all before it is packaged and transported to your local market. Animal products including meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy make similar journeys. However, these animals are generally fed lots of grain and may live in climate controlled buildings for their entire lives. The grain and climate control adds to the fuel, food, and energy demands these products make on our supplies, pushing prices upwards.

Ethanol, made primarily from corn (here in the United States) further ties the cost of food to the cost of fuel. Some farmers are choosing to grow crops destined to become fuel rather than food, because they can expect a higher return. We in turn, pay more for food, because less is produced. That is the old rule of supply and demand.

So far, I admit, I have not interjected anything new into this conversation. But here is another little tid-bit to ponder. Most of the electricity produced in the United States comes from burning fossil fuels. This ties demand for electricity to the cost of fuel and food. It is much harder for utility companies to raise prices than it is for gas stations and grocery stores, but when they begin the next round of rate hearings, we are bound not to like the outcome of our constant demands.

Many of us first heard of supply and demand when we were in grade school. I know I did. But I always thought this supply and demand was caused by those masses of people out there. You know the ones; they live in cities far, far away. Those people way over there, that we have never met, will never meet, and who really don’t care about the prices we have to pay. I bet you pretty much think the same thing about the rule of supply and demand. That it has nothing what-so-ever to do with you.

I woke up the other morning with the realization that it wasn’t those other people out there that created the supply and demand; it was me; you and me. It is actually all of us together. We definitely create the demands. Every time we flip a switch, every time we start an engine. We are the ones creating the demands on fuel and electricity; that ultimately raise not only their prices, but also the prices of our food. After you chew on that idea for a while, it is time to start thinking about what you can do.

Start by unplugging all those electric appliances that have a little light on them that shows they are plugged in. Those little lights represent tiny constant demands on electricity and fossil fuel. They may not be using much, but they are using some. They are driving up your bill, and everyone else’s too. The demands they create on fossil fuel drives up the cost of food. It is going to take you a few seconds to plug the appliance in when you need to use it, but it is worth it in the long run.

Next, think twice before you turn on that light. This takes a little practice, if like me, you are in the habit of flipping the switch every time you enter a room. I have been thinking of putting tape on all my switches, so I actually have to think about turning on the light. However, I have been getting better about not just automatically flipping the switch; and I have also gotten better at turning it off when I find it really doesn’t make a difference in how well I can complete a given task.

We have all heard about alternatives to driving our cars; really, for most of our lives. It’s time to get serious about this. Walk, bike, car pool, take the bus, or telecommute. (This is going to take a little more of an investment on your part, but it is for a noble cause.) I read about a US Secret Service agent who used to roller blade to work. Be creative and make it fun. You might also be able to find a job closer to home; or a home closer to work. For many folks that isn’t practical. But, if you keep in mind that food prices, not just for you—but for everyone, are tied to the demands we make on fuel, it might help you feel creative and motivated. Especially since there are folks on the planet being priced out of a place at the dinner table.

Once you have mastered some of these demand reducing measures, you might want to pass the word to friends and neighbors. You may find some folks willing to brainstorm about other things we can do to reduce the demands on power, energy, and fuel. Now let’s take a look at the supply side of food.

Folks, when food prices rise, growing a garden is wise. It contributes to the supply side of food, leaving more food in the system for those who, for whatever reason, cannot grow any for themselves. It will definitely save you money, and if enough of us do it, it might even slow the rising costs for everyone.

If you have never grown a garden, I promise it is both easier and more rewarding than you think. For the last few years I have had about fifty square feet under cultivation, and not only do I eat out of the garden every day all year long, last summer I was sharing produce with eight different households. I have been doing lots of research on climate change and food security, which tends to make me worry about food. (You can find some of the articles I have been reading about the on-going food crises here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/harvests_thoughts/messages and related articles on earth and climate change here: http://360.yahoo.com/harvest95546 Click on view blog.) But then I go out in the garden, and I am confronted by more food than I can possibly eat.

So, here is the plan—simple, eloquent, and easy to execute. Reduce demand on fuel and electricity; increase supply of food by gardening. Don’t worry, almost every one of us can do this.

If you don’t have room for a garden, you can find or start a community garden near you with help from this web site: http://www.communitygarden.org/

Or, if you aren’t ready to garden on your own, you may be able to find a small farm where you can do a work exchange, check out: http://www.wwoof.org/howworks.asp They list volunteer opportunities all around the world.

If you have no time at all, or are not physically able, you can still get involved with production through Community Supported Agriculture. Members of CSAs buy shares in local a local operation and in exchange they receive an equal divided share of the production. For more information and links to find a CSA in your area see: http://www.umassvegetable.org/food_farming_systems/csa/resources.html

For those who can garden, some suggestions on crops to grow that can be saved for winter (when prices are expected to continue to rise) see my article, When Food Prices Rise, Planting a Garden is Wise: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ncanativeeventsandnews/message/10750

If you need more tips on how to get started here are some of my blog posts you may find helpful.

Simple Garden Routine Useful for Bad Backs, No Time, Short Budgets:
http://harvestsgardeningsecrets.blogspot.com/2006/01/simple-garden-routine-useful-for-bad.html

Companion Planting:
http://harvestsgardeningsecrets.blogspot.com/2006/10/companion-planting.html

Inter-Cropping:
http://harvestsgardeningsecrets.blogspot.com/2006/04/inter-cropping.html

Here is some specific information on growing some of the foods mentioned in the article.

Pumpkins:
http://harvestsgardeningsecrets.blogspot.com/2006/05/jack-o-lanterns-pumpkin-pie.html

Fava Beans: http://harvestsgardeningsecrets.blogspot.com/2006/11/fabulous-favas.html
That’s it for now . . . Just remember, to keep your foot off the gas pedal and grow some food.

Syndication Coming Right Up

My Darling Readers,

I first started this blog as therapy after the accident in January 05 that left me with a traumatic brain injury. Very soon after starting the blog, much to my surprise, I found I was once again writing publication quality prose. I contacted my local newspaper (which I had written for in the past) and they were interested in running the article on “Cilantro.” You all first saw that article here. In a very short time those occasional articles lead to a weekly gardening column, “Digging the Dirt,” which I continued to post to the blog for a while.

As one thing tends to lead to another, I began a second column for our other local newspaper. This one is called “The Book Worm,” and it features classy books with a positive out-look on life. Once that column got going my blog was neglected. I am just way too busy to post her very often. But I want to thank all of you for reading and encouraging me!

Today, I am beginning another new phase in my writing. I am ready to begin syndicating my columns. If any of you living on zones 7-9 would like to see my gardening columns appear in your local newspaper, please let me know. If you send me the name of your local newspaper and the town and state where it is located, I can search for their web page and see if they are interested. harvest95546@yahoo.com Your recommendation just might help convince the publisher to give it a try.

Complete details about the columns are available on my web site. http://www.HarvestMcCampbell.com Check out the “Digging the Dirt” page for an offer for newspapers to run the column at no cost for a limited time . . .

Meanwhile, it is definitely summer! I have plums coming on and hope to make jam and plum butter very soon. Today I am going to roast garden fresh summer squash, garlic, parsnips, and greens in a new utensil I picked up recently. It looks like a wok with holes in it, made just for cooking on a grill. My raspberries and black berries have been keeping us in smiles. I hope your gardens are happy places too!

Frosty Flowers

Hellebores are some of the toughest winter flowers. They are related to the hardy buttercups that decorate meadows with gold in spring. However, these beauties will produce winter flowers even with a few inches of snow on the ground. Hellebores niger, the Christmas rose, begins blooming in mid to late fall. Once established it will produce flushes of bloom straight through winter until spring. There are varieties with flowers ranging from white, pale yellow, to pink and deep rose. Flowers range from 1-1/2 to 3 inches across. They have a nodding bell like habit that is best displayed by growing in an elevated container. Plants grow about 12 inches tall and spread up to two feet when mature.

Another variety, the Lenten Rose (Hellebores orientalis) begins blooming in mid winter and continues through early spring. These plants are a little taller, from 18 inches up to two feet. They are available in all the same colors as the Christmas rose. They are just as care free and will produce cold season flowers just when you need a reminder of spring.

Consider growing your Hellebores in portable containers. They need shade in summer and winter cold, but they can stand being brought in the house for short periods of time. While the exact timing of their blooms can be a bit fickle, if you’re lucky, you might have blooms to showcase over the winter or spring holidays.

Once the weather warms up these plants tend to go dormant for a few weeks to a month. If you wish to plant them out in the garden, or move them to a larger container, this is the time. A spot with good drainage, summer shade, and lots of organic matter will make them happy. Once they send up new leaves they should be disturbed as little as possible. The buds for next winter’s flower show are hiding, dormant for now, in their attractive green foliage.

Hellebores are bothered by few pests. Even deer, slugs, and gophers are said to leave them alone. The plants are slightly toxic and were once used medicinally in Europe and Asia. While poisoning is rarely reported, they should not be planted where young children, pets, or livestock may be tempted to sample their foliage. If plants can be kept evenly moist and shaded over our hot summers, they should live up to ten years or more. Hellebores will occasionally self sow, and if happy the clumps will eventually become crowded and need divided. Whether you are looking for a unique hostess gift, something to dazzle winter time guests, or something special for a shady corner, Hellebores has a lot to offer.

There are a number of other easy plants that can provide winter time cheer, although few of them are as carefree as Hellebores. When visiting your garden center or nursery keep your eyes open for the following plants in six packs or four inch containers. For a winter show, you need to select plants with flower buds well formed or nearly ready to open.

There are several types of African Daisies that will bloom in winter. An open spot with good drainage or a container or raised bed will make them happy. Make sure the plants you purchase have nice fat flower buds. Most African Daisies are low growing, slow spreading plants. But there are many varieties, so be sure to read the plant labels so you know what you are getting.

Calendula was named for the calendar. It can produce flowers all through the year. Individual plants are short lived, but once you have them established they are reliable self sowers. For best luck with winter flowers, purchase budded plants from the nursery. These bright yellow, orange, and gold flowers like a sunny open spot.

Stocks are an old fashioned flower that can be coaxed into blooming during cool weather. Plant them near a south or west facing wall or fence or better yet, in a container placed on a sunny porch. These flowers only grow a foot or so high and tend to be rather spindly. However they make up for their lack of substance with a heady and delightful perfume.

Snap Dragons are often associated with summer, but if you find plants for sale with fat flower buds, you are in for a treat. New cultivars are available in a number of colors and flower forms including those that resemble azaleas, some with ruffled and double flowers, as well as the traditional snapping dragons. These flowers will tolerate some shade and soggy soil. However they make happier bushier plants when grown in a sunny well drained spot.

We covered Sweet Alyssum in a previous article, but it is worth mentioning again. It is a low growing perennial available in a number of colors. It can be planted at any time, and it will provide several flushes of blooms through out the year. They do best in an area with full sun and good drainage.

Winter time flowers are not really frivolous. They provide nectar and pollen to the good bugs that pollinate our food crops and that help us control pests. So while you beautify your yard, you can feel good about your contribution to the garden’s environment.

Hellebores plants can be ordered from Wayside Gardens: (800) 213-0379
http://www.waysidegardens.com Seeds for Hellebores and all the other plants mentioned are available from Thompson and Morgan: (800) 274-7333 http://www.thompson-morgan.com

That’s all for now, but stay tuned, next time we will be growing the very delectable winter herb, Sweet Cecily. Meanwhile, you can probably find me out in the garden, Digging the Dirt.

Copyright 2006 Harvest McCampbell, from my column "Digging the Dirt," published in The Hoopa Valley People Newspaper, Nov 7, 2006. Posted here with permission. http://www.hoopa-nsn.gov/enterprises/newspaper.htm

Pics, not great:

http://www.helleborus.com/

Maybe a little better:

http://www.hellebore.com/species/niger/index.html