Metamorphosis Reflection

Hi everyone! Before I continue with my responses to the metamorphosis questions, I just wanted to quickly recap what my action project is: I have decided to make a garden for myself in my backyard to work with the Global Goals of Climate and Life on Land.  In my garden, I am growing my own plants and food. By doing so, I am not be contributing to the long fuel processes used to deliver the foods we eat to our local grocery stores. I also decide what goes into the planting process, not using carcinogenic pesticides and fertilizers, commonly used to grow our food. I am also avoiding contribution to the production of carbon emissions with the food packaging.

1. What challenges did you overcome throughout this inquiry project? How did you go about overcoming these challenges?

Throughout this project I was very lucky to have easy access to all the materials I needed: a greenhouse, pots and planting spaces, seeds, and water! The only real challenge that I have faced is that some of the plants did not sprout (and some still haven’t). There wasn’t really any organic way to overcome this challenge, so I decided to just let nature work it’s course and see how they grew overtime. All plants grow at different paces, and so as I waited and continued to let them grow at their own speed, many other plants sprouted! For example, my tomatoes weren’t sprouting and I was worried that they wouldn’t be able to survive through the frequent weather changes, but eventually they did sprout and have continued growing since! Other than that, I do not believe that there have been any other challenges that have occurred.

2.  How did this inquiry change the way you think?

This project didn’t really change the way I think, but it did open my eyes to some of the severity of the issues of non-organic foods and the benefits of growing your own. As I said in my recap, carcinogenic pesticides and fertilizers are used often to grow the products in stores. These pesticides are terrible not only for our bodies, but also for the environment. Most of us have also heard of GMOs, which aren’t organic. There are many unhealthy preservatives used as well. By growing your own foods, you decide what goes into the growing process, and you’re not left in the dark about any materials used. It’s overall safer for you and the environment.

3.  How did this investigation impact your future decisions?

This project has definitely impacted my future decisions regarding food, because now I know what mainstream food processors put into the food and soil and how easy it is to make the change and just grow my own food. After having done this project I believe that I will continue to grow my own foods from home because 1) it is easy and 2) it is safer and healthier. Growing your own foods is a much healthier alternative than buying mainstream vegetables and fruits from grocery stores. After this project is over I will continue to care for my garden and expand the fruits and vegetables within. This project has not only educated me on the importance of growing your own organic foods, but also has introduced me and my family to a healthier lifestyle.

4.  What impact will this investigation have on others locally and/or globally?

I think that after having done this project it could have an impact locally. If I share the foods that I grow once they are eventually ready to be consumed, then perhaps I can share with them everything that I have learned about growing my own foods and the benefits of it. I have already told most of my family and friends, and many were inspired to start their own gardens as well! If more people start growing their own foods, then not only are we taking better care of ourselves, but we are also taking care of the environment and climate, which is a huge impact when switching over to growing your own foods in your own garden. It is important that people keep care of themselves and also do their part to help keep our climate healthy!

Until my next post,

Jessica O’Brien-Visbisky