Don’t expect a solution after reading this title. This post
is to inspire you. I did some research, talked to some people and collected
information on how to grow food in cities. Some examples will be posted on the
facebook page next week, others will be discussed here.
As Carolyn Steel and many others have written before food
and cities are indispensable connected. Without food no cities, without cities
no food. Although both statements seem to be the topic of discussion now. The
‘food’ eaten in cities is for a major part technical food while at the same
time we have to start to worry about the amount of food we citizens consume in
relation to the production capacity of true farmers.
After having tried for decennia to get food production asfar away from the cities as possible a new movement has started some years ago trying hard to get production closer
to consummation. People decided to grew herbs, strawberries and other small
greens on their balconies, on rooftops or in backyards. Slowly cities are
filled with edible green.
It is not only private persons encouraging this movement.
People gather in collectives to support each other in the process of learning
how to grow food, schools start gardens (again) to combine education with
outdoor activities and offices grow their rooftops to give their staff this
special opportunity to share some fun activities with their colleagues.
Besides these planned projects there are also initiatives
encouraging wild-picking. Websites tell you where to find fruit trees in your
neighborhood, workshops are organized around ‘getting food from the wood’.
It is not only about the food itself anymore, more also
about the fun to grow or pick it. And that makes people aware what it takes to
get the products you need to make your favorite recipe. It turns out that is
takes a lot more to get your ingredients than just going to the supermarket. It
brings people together sharing knowledge on the growth process and on recipes.
It makes cities greener, not only in a visible way but also seen from an
environmental eye.
I could continue with the benefits for a while, but guess it
is time for action now. After the Dutch examples last week you will find some examples from Milano and the rest of Italy next
week.
