We’re poisoning nature with the enormous amount of waste we produce and send to landfills, hurting the climate, animals and plants, soil, water, you name it!
It is important to reduce this, but we’re not taught to think that way. We know how to separate waste, but not reduce it. So, what do we do?
Alessandro Vitale, also known as Spicymoustache, is an urban farmer, content creator, and author who tackles the excessive waste issue and urban gardening in particular.
The Take
Having an organized pantry helps to reduce overbuying food, Vitale claims, but that’s not all.
Buying from local farmers is another great way to reduce waste and lower your carbon footprint. And preserving food, fermenting it, and extending its shelf life will allow you to eat it before it goes to waste.
Use your windowsill to grow herbs or start growing food in the garden, says this urban farmer.
He also mentions planting your favorite and most expensive crops in your garden. That way you’ll save money and have food you actually enjoy eating.
Set up a compost bin in your growing space so you can reduce your waste and save money in the garden, advises Vitale.
Alessandro also gives tips on how to start composting in this short video, mentioning the carbon to nitrogen ratio, layering, and watering.
And if you don’t have a garden where you can use your homemade compost, you can research composting programmes in your city. They will come and pick up your black gold and use it however they see fit, reducing the amount of waste that goes to landfill.
The Benefit
Sustainable living can save you money in the long run as you won’t have to buy as much food.
For instance, extending your food’s shelf life will allow you to eat it instead of letting it rot and throwing it in the bin. Additionally, turning your kitchen waste to compost will allow you to feed your plants without buying expensive fertilizers.
Learning how to grow your own plants and propagate them from cuttings will save you money as you won’t have to buy everything. And if you plant the most expensive fruits and veggies, you’ll save even more.
However, one of the benefits that Vitale mentions directly impacts us. Saving time and money will allow you to spend more quality time outdoors, improving your mental health.
The Reaction
This short video has had a great impact on Alessandro’s followers.
I live in NYC and I grow veggies. I literally posted an ad on a piece of paper in my neighborhood asking for garden space and I had a few people offering me space. Can’t wait for new season! 😊, says one of his followers.
The other user offers his personal experience, saying that I’ve been struggling with money lately so I’m actually following some of your advice and would be willing to try more.
Other comments are just as inspiring, praising the initiative to reduce waste and help the environment.