If you’ve ever heard Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi,” you might understand how DDT was perceived at its peak use in the 1950’s and 60’s. In it she sang, “Hey farmer, farmer, put away that DDT now...Give me spots on my apples but leave the birds and the bees. Please!”

Native plant landscaping is a practice of planting certain species indigenous to your area that have the best biological knowledge to survive the condition patterns around them. Soil and water conservator, insect and pollinator magnet, a native plant garden is MAGIC for a healthy ecosystem.

We’re officially into spring 2021, and considering the past 12 months we’ve all had, we could use some new life. So whether you’re in an apartment, tiny house, or even a van, we’ve compiled some easy DIY garden tips if you feel so inclined to grow some of your very own food.

In March, we heard the good news that the American Rescue Plan narrowly passed in the House and Senate, marking a $1.9 trillion effort of COVID-19 aid. Within that bill’s total is an estimated $5 billion designated to “socially disadvantaged farmers,” including Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian Americans. 4/5 of that will go to paying off outstanding debts these farmers have with the USDA up until January 1st, and the rest to outreach programs providing access to land, education and training, technical assistance, and loans.

Today, on the last day of Farmworker Awareness Week and on Cesar Chavez Day, the least we can do is learn about this man’s life of servitude and the work he has done for farm worker’s rights and beyond.

Living in California, you’re likely aware that we are home to the production of a majority of the nation’s produce. But did you know that California produces 80% of the WORLD’S almonds!? In honor of almonds and the nearing end of Women’s History Month, let’s take a minute to honor Holly King, innovator of sustainable almond growing practices and a true steward of land and people.

We have such a unique opportunity today to honor World Water Day during Women’s History Month! It only makes sense, then, to learn what we can about Harriet Williams Russel Strong. She was a pioneer of water conservation and dry land irrigation, women’s rights activist, inventor, and so much more.

This time, we talk solutions to our desertified soils. We know that we have the technology to slow down and even reverse climate change, and it’s been around for millions of years. The secret? It’s all about the microbes!

If you haven’t seen Netflix’s 2020 Kiss the Ground, it’s a must see. If you’d rather pick up a quick synopsis of some of the crucial points this film touches on; buckle up!

It is ingrained in our American culture to order more, buy more, and produce more food. However, so far, it is not in our culture to redirect this now hypothetical mountain of wasted food to benefit people or the planet.