Sustainable Source Of Food
From the Earth. Good for the Earth.
Growing microgreens is sustainable.
The microgreen growing process uses fewer materials, water, and resources than that of traditional greens.
Not only does this make microgreens more environmentally friendly, but they are also sustainable. The process of growing other food sources requires irrigated agriculture, which accounts for 70% of the world’s water use (1). Each pack of other greens bought at the supermarket contributes to the growing water crisis plaguing the world. Instead, growing microgreens at home reduces water usage because a set and minimal amount of water is required. The precision and deliberation with water use when following our growing process minimizes any water waste.
Electricity is often overlooked when considering the resources used to produce vegetables. In order for the factories, machinery and equipment to operate, electricity is essential to the farming process. Unfortunately, only 6.5% of farms use renewable energy sources (2), resulting in the use of fossil fuels that release high amounts of carbon emissions. Since growing microgreens at home solely requires the sun for growth, electricity is not used. By choosing to grow and consume microgreens, you will reduce your carbon footprint exponentially.
Growing microgreens is economical.
In addition to being environmentally sustainable, growing microgreens is also economically sustainable. The cost of one seed packet is about $4-5, and it yields about 7 trays (6inx4in) of microgreens. Since each tray lasts almost a month, you will have enough microgreens to last 7 months for just the price of $5. Save your money and time by growing microgreens.
Growing microgreens is biodegradable.
With about one billion pounds of plastic used in agriculture every year(3), eliminating plastic products while growing microgreens is more environmentally friendly than purchasing other food sources.
From the hemp mats to the seed packets, each part of our growing process is biodegradable. Simply recycle the seed packets and discard the hemp mats with other lawn waste*, and then nature will do the rest. Rather than purchasing plastic seed packets or containers, opt for paper seed packets and glass containers. Please refer to “How to Grow Microgreens” for our biodegradable and nature-friendly growing suggestions.
Each environmentally conscious choice you make when growing microgreens is a step to reducing the amount of agricultural plastic waste produced every year.
*Do not throw away the hemp mats in the trash. The mats can be torn in smaller pieces and mixed with soil for indoor plants or in your yard.
Citations
“Water and Agriculture.” OECD, www.oecd.org/agriculture/topics/water-and-agriculture/#:~:text=Irrigated%20agriculture%20remains%20the%20largest,40%25%20in%20many%20OECD%20countries.
“Number of US Farms with Renewables Doubled in 5 Years.” Darigold, 21 Apr. 2020, www.darigold.com/number-of-us-farms-with-renewables-doubled-in-5-years/#:~:text=Of%20the%202%2C042%2C220%20farms%20recorded,6.5%20percent%20now%20have%20renewables.
Fessenden, Marissa. “Most Plastic Trash Comes From Farms.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 3 Apr. 2015, www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/most-plastic-trash-comes-farms-heres-what-were-trying-do-about-it-180954873/#:~:text=Gene%20Jones%20of%20the%20Southern,plastic%20in%20agriculture%20every%20year.
Sayner, Adam. “Are Microgreens Sustainable? The Truth About Growing Microgreens.” GroCycle, 2 Nov. 2020, grocycle.com/are-microgreens-sustainable/.