It's a Global Concern

Some of you may remember our May 15-16 gardening challenge weekend. There were Garden Work Parties in many locations to draw attention to our global climate issue through food gardening at home. I enjoyed the glee in the eyes of all of the volunteers that were at Garden Work Parties in Oakland and Berkeley CA. I wish I could have visited everyone around the globe that participated.

We started the challenge a little more than 3 weeks before the May 15-16 weekend at the urging of organizers at iGrowSonoma. And, I am entirely grateful for their encouragement and support to help make gardeners aware of the need to continue doing their great work by growing food in and around their communities.

We registered 170 food gardeners growing food (or a member of a work crew) in at least 94,000 square feet of space. That's a little over 2 acres of food and about $20,000 to $40,000 of food savings depending on the crop.And the uncounted impact of reducing transportation going to the market.
Seventy of these gardens are on the 350 Garden Challenge map representing almost 35,000 square feet of food gardening at home. 

And, we know of others who did not register; but they weighed in supporting the 350 Victory Garden Challenge. I think that's impressive. 

Let's see your face in your community

But it's not enough. So, now ... we partner again with 350.org and many other businesses, organizations, and individuals to "get to work." That's the theme of this next challenge to bring awareness our gas emissions problems on a global platform. On October 10, 2010 people around the global will join in to be let our governments, businesses, and individuals know that it's time to "get to work" to bring our carbon gas emissions down to 350 parts per million. Today, we sit at about 392 ppm. That's not acceptable.

This level is taking a toll of the health of individuals and the planet as a whole. There are health issues associated with this high level of gas emissions. As individuals, we can do much to reduce this trend: just for one day a week; leave the car at home ... bike or walk for the day. Change all your light bulbs to CFLs. Plant a tree. Plant a water-wise garden removing the lawn and planting native, drought-tolerate plants; and my favorite thing to do ... Plant a Food Garden.

You can plant your garden indoors, outdoors, on the stairs, balcony, patio, and roof. Plant vertically. Just plant it to eat it! And, help your neighbor plant it to eat it!

This month the Victory Garden Foundation again launches a challenge everyone around the world to grow your food at home and help something else grow their food. This is our 10.10.10 Victory Garden Challenge. Our goal: 101010 people registered and growing food, joining a garden work crew, teaching others to grow food and be great stewards of our plant, biking and walking to gardens to discuss our global gas emission issues, helping to prepare gardens, and just having a great time meeting your neighbors and expanding your community.

On August 21st; we'll officially launch our 10.10.10 Victory Garden Challenge although we never stopped the 350 Victory Garden Challenge ;) And, You are the most important part of this challenge. We need you to participate, talk about this situation, get the word out, let the politicians know they need to "get to work" and resolve these gas emissions issues. Because, We, the People are ready to Get to Work.
We think we have some exciting ideas and programs to help you take a stand on this very important issue. And, this time, we have more than 3 weeks to get the word out.

Look for this button at Victory Garden Foundation

So, I ask, are you ready to Get to Work? Tell us about it and be counted. I think on a global level, individuals, cities, communities, businesses, schools, churches, clubs, and neighbors joining together can show that on 10.10.10 there's nothing like a global nation getting to work!

Watch the Victory Garden Foundation website for more information about why you should get involved and how you may get involved.
Be a Fan and Like on FaceBook at Victory Gardens for 10-10-10
Follow us on Twitter at VictoryGarden2U
Get more information about the 350.org 10-10-10 Global Work Party.

I'm looking forward to working with you to Get to Work!
V!