The Editor,
This Thanksgiving weekend, families across B.C. will sit down together to share a wonderful meal while giving thanks for life's many blessings. Unfortunately, the vast majority of the food enjoyed on this occasion will be produced using unsustainable farming practices that put the food security of future generations at risk.
These practices are known in agriculture as monoculture: the practice of producing a single crop over a large area for an extended period of time.
While monoculture may be an effective method for producing large and profitable crops, is it a good demonstration of the qualities we are supposed to celebrate during Thanksgiving?
A much better way to show our appreciation for the earth and each other is to be found in the idea of "permaculture," or permanent agriculture.
Permaculture is a branch of ecological design that develops sustainable, permanent gardens and farms intended to grow sustainable and healthy food by using designs and relationships found in nature. Best of all, permaculture can be practised one's backyard and the produce can be harvested and enjoyed by the whole family. It can be applied to gardening to achieve a secure, organic and plentiful source of food.
What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than by passing on this legacy to future generations?
As well, this fall, a free workshop is being offered to the community on the basics of permaculture gardening. Down to Earth will be offered on Nov. 17 at Riverside Community Church in Port Coquitlam.
To learn more about permaculture and the community workshop, visit www.downtoearthpermaculture.wordpress.com.
Nathan Griffiths, Port Moody
