Do you have green envy? No, I don’t mean “green with envy”. I’m talking about feeling inadequate in comparison to so many others’ efforts to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle. It seems like everyone is recycling, conserving water and electricity, going to the market with a reusable shopping bag, and buying organic, biodegradable products. However, there are more unique ways to feel green with satisfaction if you’ve been left behind by the ecological bandwagon.

One of the best things you can do for the earth and for your own well-being is to start a garden. It can be a fruit and vegetable garden, a flower garden, or both of those. And if you don’t have a bit of land to call your own, you can even have a windowsill herb garden. It’s important to first check the soil’s pH. Most plants prefer a neutral pH, 6.2-6.8. Pamper your plants with organic plant food and start a compost pile as soon as possible because compost improves soil structure. Compost should include kitchen scraps, garden waste, manure, leaves, and grass clippings. Also make sure that the plants you choose have similar sunlight, water, and pH requirements.

While you’re outside tending to your new garden, you should be protecting your skin from the sun. Besides a sun hat, you can also buy clothing that has UV protection in it, such as a UV bamboo shirt. It has UPF 50+ protection and is highly breathable, as well as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Plus, it’s made from completely natural fibre—bamboo and cotton.

Once your hard work has paid off and your garden is providing you with gorgeous fruits, vegetables, and flowers, you can string up a hammock and using tenor ukuleles, you can strum out soothing music for both you and your garden to revel in.

Did you know?

Mormons believe the Garden of Eden was located in present-day Jackson County, Missouri, U.S.A.

-Tari

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