justice

Ways to celebrate Earth Day

Anonymous — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:48:58 +0000

Ways to celebrate Earth Day Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 12/14/2023 - 13:48

Earth Day began in 1970 as more people in the United States and across the globe became aware of the environmental impact caused by humans. Before the 1970’s, many people considered air and water pollution a normal and expected part of life. Celebrating Earth Day each year is vital because it recognizes the harm caused to the environment while showing support across the globe for protecting the Earth. You can take steps this Earth Day to support sustainability through your own collective and individual actions.

How to contribute to Earth Day every day

You can be a part of Earth Day by coming together with the CU Boulder community to protect our planet. Whether you are on campus or not, you can get involved and make a difference in numerous ways. Here are some of the ways you can participate in Earth Day today and every day.

Participate in advocacy: One of the best ways to make a difference is through advocacy. You can sign petitions and participate in Earth Day events on campus and in your community. You can also write to your local, state and national officials. Ask them to support legislation that protects our planet.
Sustainable fashion: Fast fashion negatively impacts the environment by increasing clothing waste and pollution from textile production. Donate or sell your unwanted clothing instead of throwing items away to reduce waste and give your clothes a new life. You can also make an impact by shopping at thrift stores, buying fewer new clothing items and supporting brands that intentionally support sustainability in their production processes.
Take part in a community or global cleanup: The Environmental Center hosts events to support sustainability locally, like their Boulder Creek cleanup and the annual Campus Sustainability Summit. If you're not in Boulder, you can search for cleanup opportunities in your area or connect with a local organization to offer your support.
Make your next meal plant-based: Choosing more plant-based meals can help lower carbon emissions and reduce the impact of food production on the environment. Transition your breakfast, lunch or dinner to plant-based options and look for plant-based meals at the dining halls on campus. While you can opt for a fully vegan diet, choosing one plant-based meal a day can still have an impact.
Get inspired: Explore ways to take action and make a difference throughout the year. A few standout ideas include picking up trash while you run (hello, plogging), switching to reusable bags, meal prepping and growing a container garden on your patio.
Join the CU community via the AWorld App: The AWorld app supports the United Nations ActNow campaign, encouraging individual action on climate change. Once you download the app, you can join the CU community to track your sustainable actions. Actions include daily tasks like meditating, eating a vegetarian or vegan meal, carpooling or taking public transportation.

Remember, every small action adds up to make a significant impact. Let's work together to create a sustainable future for generations to come. These are just a few examples of how you can make a difference.

The impacts of Earth Day

Since its inception, Earth Day has continued to grow and increase awareness of environmental issues and the actions people can take to support sustainability.

Just one year after the first Earth Day, 25% of Americans believed protecting the environment was important.
In the years that followed, many national environmental policies passed, including:
The Clean Air Act
The Water Quality Improvement Act
The Endangered Species Act
The Toxic Substances Control Act
The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act
The Environmental Protection Agency was established in 1970, following the first Earth Day marches.
Earth Day celebrations every April 22 continue to make an impact across the globe.

The importance of Earth Day

Earth Day is an annual reminder that climate change has a major impact on our planet, our lives and our future. It can also increase awareness and drives change. Earth Day continues to evolve and add value to sustainability movements across the globe.

Earth Day provides a day to focus on education about environmental issues affecting our planet.
Demonstrations on Earth Day help signal to government representatives the importance of environmental issues to their constituents.
Earth Day sets aside a day each year to reflect on the significance of the planet's health and what we can all do to positively impact our environment.
Earth Day has influenced major national policy in the past and will continue to do so.

The history of Earth Day

Author Rachel Caron released her book Silent Spring in 1962. The book brought attention to how the use of harmful chemicals, such as DDT, caused everlasting damage to wildlife, nature and people, and it called for humans to act responsibly as stewards of the living earth.

Caron’s book motivated Junior Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin to create Earth Day. He selected April 22 because it fell perfectly between spring break and final exams and would allow space for college students to get involved.

On April 22, 1970, an estimated 20 million people gathered at schools, universities and community centers across the U.S. to host inaugural events that brought awareness to the need for more environmental laws. These events also brought attention to a wide variety of environmental issues.

Denis Hayes, who helped organize the first Earth Day with Gaylord Nelson, went on to found the Earth Day Network, which spread Earth Day internationally, helping organize events in over 141 countries.

Earth Day Monumental Moments:

1970: First Earth Day celebrated.
1990: Twentieth anniversary, an estimated 200 million people in over 141 countries celebrate.
2010: Fortieth anniversary, an estimated 1 billion people worldwide gathered to celebrate.
2020: Fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day, in-person events were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but people globally celebrated via social media.

Want to learn more? Check out the official Earth Day website for more information on the history of Earth Day, different projects you can participate in and simple ways to change the planet. You can also connect with the Environmental Center to learn ways to get involved.

April 22 is only one day each year, but you can treat every day like Earth Day!

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Why climate justice is important in climate action planning

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Why climate justice is important in climate action planning Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 04/10/2023 - 00:00

Climate action planning is not just about saving the planet, it's about saving people too. The University of Colorado Boulder recognizes this, and with their 2022-2023 Climate Action Plan (CAP), they're taking a stand for climate justice. By incorporating principles such as Indigenous climate action, community resilience and equity throughout the planning process, they're ensuring that all voices are heard and that the benefits of climate action are distributed fairly. Join the conversation at the Climate Action Plan Town Hall at the Campus Sustainability Summit on April 20 to be a part of this crucial decision-making process.

Climate change is one of the most significant challenges facing the world today. The current trends in greenhouse gas emissions have already led to significant environmental, social and economic impacts. The University of Colorado Boulder acknowledges the urgent need to act and address the challenge of climate change, with an equity lens. As a leading institution of higher education, the university is committed to developing a climate action plan that incorporates the principles of climate justice such as Indigenous climate action, community resilience and adaptation and climate education and engagement. Rather than looking at climate change as solely an environmental concern, climate justice connects the crisis to deeply entangled social and racial issues. Climate justice looks at the whole picture; how social inequality and institutionalized racism enables the exploitation of land, people and resources. It works to mitigate how climate change affects low-income and BIPOC communities across the world disproportionally, and seeks to address these systemic root causes by advancing a just transition away from fossil fuels.

CU Boulder’s 2022-2023 CAP is the university’s roadmap towards decarbonization and advancing just, equitable climate solutions. Actionable steps toward climate justice will focus on building performance, energy, water, waste, food, transportation, grounds, procurement, equity and resilience. These strategies seek to address the root causes of climate change and simultaneously address social, racial and environmental injustices reflecting CU’s commitment to advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion). Specifically, the incorporation of equity has been interwoven throughout the planning process to support climate justice goals, including using an equity conscious stakeholder engagement process and using equity criteria, metrics and rubrics. The University of Colorado Boulder is committed to promoting social justice and equity in all aspects of its operations. This includes working to ensure that all members of the university community have access to resources and opportunities, regardless of their background or identity.

The plan, started in Oct. 2022, will work toward achieving the institution-wide goal of 50% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2030 and total carbon neutrality no later than 2050. The CAP builds on the chancellor’s Call to Climate Action, the 2009 Conceptual Plan for Carbon Neutrality and the most recent Campus Master Plan, Energy Master Plan, Transportation Master Plan and Housing Master Plan.

How decisions are made and by whom makes an enormous impact. To advance climate justice, we invite all to participate in this decision-making process to ensure all voices are heard and the benefits of climate action are equitably distributed. The purpose of this event is to present initial draft strategies being developed as a roadmap to a zero emissions target by no later than 2050. To ensure the final CAP is strongly supported during adoption and sets meaningful and realistic targets, we need input from both internal campus and external community stakeholders. Please join us to learn how the campus plans to further define its climate commitment. Find us at the Campus Sustainability Summit on April 20 from 1-4 p.m. at UMC 235 to give us your feedback on the first draft of the CAP and its climate justice components.

Join the conversation at the Climate Action Plan Town Hall at the Campus Sustainability Summit on April 20 to be a part of this crucial decision-making process.

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The hidden curriculum

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

The hidden curriculum Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 04/04/2023 - 00:00

Adam Spicer

Are you “in the know” or “on the out?” Well, many college students don’t even know where they stand thanks to our friend, the hidden curriculum. The hidden curriculum refers to the set of norms and rules within a formal education context that are considered to be universal, but often are obscured for many typically first-generation and lower-income students. These unspoken rules can manifest in a number of ways that impact students' abilities to learn within an academic setting.

One example of how the hidden curriculum may manifest in a college environment is through the use of academic language, culture and structure. Students who come from backgrounds where academic language and academic culture might not be emphasized may struggle to understand and navigate the expectations of their professors, such as in the structuring of academic papers or interpreting complex academic language. This may lead to feelings of inadequacy, frustration and isolation amplified by “imposter syndrome,” particularly for first-generation, low-income students or international students.

A common example of institutionalized academic culture that may be misinterpreted comes from professors' office hours announcements. Many first-generation students report interpreting professors announcing their office hours as times in the professor's schedule where they wish to be left alone in their office, instead of times professors set aside specifically for assisting their students. One effort to combat this potential confusion is to refer to office hours instead as “student hours'' which more directly communicates the function of that allotted time.

Another example of the hidden curriculum in a college environment is the expectation of participating in extracurricular activities. Students who are aware of this norm may join clubs and organizations, attend networking events and engage in volunteer work to boost their resumes and make connections with potential employers. However, for students who are unaware of this expectation, they may miss out on valuable opportunities to develop their skills and networks, potentially impacting their career prospects.

Overall, the hidden curriculum in college can have a significant impact on students' experiences and outcomes, particularly for those who are not familiar with the norms and expectations of academia. It is important for educators to be aware of the hidden curriculum and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students.

Unspoken norms or rules within formal education can impact students' ability to learn and be successful.

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Green Graduation

Anonymous — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 06:00:00 +0000

Green Graduation Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 04/04/2023 - 00:00

The Graduation Pledge of Social & Environmental Responsibility of the Graduation Pledge Alliance states:

"I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and to try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work."

Graduating seniors at CU Boulder can take the pledge and get an optional green cord to wear at graduation to show their commitment to environmental and social responsibility in their future career.

Take the Graduation Pledge

After you pledge

Optional Green Cords are available for those who take the pledge, to wear with CU Boulder commencement regalia.

Green cords for December 2024 graduates will be available beginning October 2024. May 2025 graduates can pick up cords beginning in March 2024, available until supplies run out.

Cord pick-up times:
- Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., University Memorial Center room 355
- Pledge must be taken online before coming to UMC 355 to pick up your cord.
Please consider donating your cord back to the program after graduation for re-use and to reduce cost for future grads.
- drop off gently used cords at University Memorial Center 355, or mail to Environmental Center, 207 UCB, Boulder 80309.

Share your commitment on social media

Use hashtags #CUgreengrad #CUgraduationpledge

Donate your cap and gown

Take your commitment to a green graduation one step further by donating your cap and gown to a future graduate.
CU Boulder graduation caps and gowns and graduation pledge green cords can be dropped off on campus at the Environmental Center (UMC room 355) Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- For Summer 2024, a donation bin is availabile outside UMC 355, accessible during all University Memorial Center hours.
Alternatively, you can mail your regalia to the Environmental Center at 207 UCB, Boulder CO 80309.

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CU Boulder: a sustainable leader and the place for you to discover your sustainable interests

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

CU Boulder: a sustainable leader and the place for you to discover your sustainable interests Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 02/10/2023 - 00:00

Sustainability and CU go hand-in-hand and have a long history together. CU has been a leader in climate research and sustainability practices on and off campus. Sustainability is a building block of both campus and the university system itself. CU has a number of sustainable accomplishments:

First U.S university to:

Create a student-led environmental center
Build an NCAA Division I zero waste stadium and athletics program
Be Sierra Club’s #1 greenest school
Launch a student-led campus recycling program

This is just the beginning. CU has many more accomplishments and is continuing to pave the way for more sustainable research, innovation and leadership. CU is committed to pushing the limits of sustainable development, enabling sustainable leaders and positively impacting the local Boulder community and the planet.

CU’s location provides students access to numerous top-notch research facilities, where students and faculty collaborate with some of the most recognized individuals in their research field. A few of the facilities located right here in Boulder include:

National Center for Atmospheric Research
National Ecological Observatory Network
NOAA Earth System Research Lab

Want to get involved? CU Boulder students can:

Volunteer with the Environmental Center
Join the Climate Justice Leadership Program
Participate in the upcoming President’s Sustainable Solutions Challenge
Send sustainable ideas to campus leadership

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Heros/She-ros: Black leaders in Climate Justice

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Heros/She-ros: Black leaders in Climate Justice Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 02/10/2023 - 00:00

Black figures in environmentalism

Environmentalism has a difficult history riddled with injustices, but these members of the Black community have not let that stop them from making their voices heard.

1. Dr. Robert Bullard
Dr. Bullard is known as the father of environmental justice. He has 15+ publications on environmental justice issues, has won multiple awards, and the Sierra Club even named an award after him. He is the director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice, a Texas Southern University center that addresses issues such as systemic racism and structural inequality.

2. Camille T. Dungy
Camille Dungy is an “eco-poet” responsible for Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry. According to its description, “Black Nature is the first anthology to focus on nature writing by African American poets.” In addition to the anthology, Dungy has also published another anthology, four poetry collections and two novels, including Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden. This book metaphorically highlights diversity after growing up in Fort Collins, Colorado, where the city had regulations on what could and could not be planted in one’s garden.

3. George Washington Carver
George Washington Carver was born into slavery but made black history. He earned his Bachelor of Science at what was then the Iowa State Agricultural School, the first-ever African American to do so. From a young age, he helped farmers keep their crops healthy. His work led to many different forms of synthetic materials, along with making crop rotation a mainstream practice.

4. Wangari Maathai
Professor Maathai is the founder of the Green Belt Movement (GBM), a movement based out of Kenya that encourages a holistic approach to sustainability. She is the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. GBM has planted over 51 million trees thanks to her involvement.

Learn more about these four environmental pioneers in honor of Black History Month.

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Plan to vote!

Anonymous — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Plan to vote! Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 10/11/2022 - 00:00

Have your voice heard in November - remember to register and vote! Here are a few helpful tips and resources to help you.

In only a few weeks, it will be el ection day! So, it’s a good idea to determine if you’re registered to vote, where to vote and who is running. If you’re from Colorado and registered to vote in Colorado, you will receive a ballot in the mail in the weeks leading up to election day. If you plan to vote by mail, it’s recommended that you put your ballot in the mail before Oct. 31. After the 31st, you should place your ballot in a 24-hour ballot box. Ballot boxes can be found throughout Boulder County.

If you’re not registered to vote in Colorado but want to be, you can register online to vote in Colorado. If you do so before Oct. 31, you will receive a mail ballot. You can also register in person on election day. To register, you must have a valid ID.

If you’re not from Colorado and want to vote in your home state, you can go online and request an absentee ballot. It’s best to request an absentee ballot as soon as possible as each state has different deadlines to make sure that all ballots are received in time.

If you’re living on campus, you can also register to vote and vote on campus! Boulder county has a great resource to help break down the process of voting as a student and answers some common questions students may have regarding the voting process. If you are a student and plan to vote on campus, you can stop by the UMC Vote Center starting on Oct. 24 to register and vote. There is also a 24-hour ballot drop box right outside the UMC.

Have your voice heard in November, remember to register and vote! Here are a few helpful tips and resources to help you register and vote!

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Harvest of All First Nations recap

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Harvest of All First Nations recap Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 10/10/2022 - 00:00

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Harvest of All First Nations Corn Festival took place at the Yellow Barn, just outside Boulder. The Climate Justice Leadership Alliance volunteered at the event, directing items to be disposed of properly to reduce waste.

The event introduced earth-based decolonization strategies and environmental justice, and featured interactive workshops, guest speakers, local indigenous vendors and a live band. It showed the power behind communities organizing and how sharing traditional ecological knowledge can reconnect people to the land.

A few of the staff favorites were the Land Back Movement speaker Ava Hamilton, Mi Chantli break dancers, land blessings, indigenous stories, the band Los Moccochetes and numerous events focused around regenerative agriculture, food preservation and indigenous harvesting practices.

“I thoroughly loved attending this harvest, not just because I got to make an impact environmentally by disposing of waste, but I also got to experience a completely different culture," said one student who attended the harvest. "Considering I come from the east coast, I had never been able to experience this type of culture. Sitting in on the LandBack focus group and attending the ceremony in honor of indigenous ancestors was truly incredible, and it was amazing to get to sit in on such a beautiful culture so close to the CU campus.”

If you'd like to learn more about climate justice or attend future events like the Harvest of All First Nations, check out the Climate Justice Leadership team.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the Harvest of All First Nations Corn Festival took place at the Yellow Barn, just outside Boulder.

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Exploring inclusivity and climate justice with Parker McMullen Bushman

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Exploring inclusivity and climate justice with Parker McMullen Bushman Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 04/11/2022 - 00:00

Parker McMullen Bushman, the chief operating officer of Inclusive Journeys and founder of Ecoinclusive Strategies, will be this year's keynote speaker at the 29th Annual Campus Sustainability Summit Solutions Showcase. Bushman's talk, Exploring Inclusivity and Climate Justice, will take place April 21, from 6:15-7:15 p.m. Sign up to attend her talk and other showcase events ahead of the event.

��ˮ��Ƶ the talk

The world is facing a decisive moment in the battle against climate change–one that requires bringing a range of voices and perspectives to the table. Climate change is inextricably linked to the challenge of creating a more equitable world. It is impossible to tackle climate change without also tackling inequality. Everyone deserves a clean and healthy environment. All communities must have clean air and water, and one’s life expectancy should never be determined by zip code, race or income. This is a critical moment to define bold and equitable climate solutions that address the legacy of environmental racism in the U.S. Join Parker McMullen Bushman as she talks about what it means to have inclusive climate action and how we can develop solutions to tackle climate change with an equity mindset.

Parker is a dynamic speaker and facilitator that engages organizations in new thinking around what it means to be a diversity change-agent and create dynamic organizational change. Parker’s background in the non-profit leadership, conservation, environmental education and outdoor recreation fields spans over 24+ years. Parker has a passion for equity and inclusion in outdoor spaces. Her interest in justice, accessibility and equity issues developed from her personal experiences facing the unequal representation of people of color in environmental organizations and green spaces. Parker tackles these complex issues by addressing them through head on activism and education.

Parker McMullen Bushman will be speaking at the 29th Annual Campus Sustainability Summit this year.

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CSAs: fresh food for communities and the environment

Anonymous — Wed, 06 Apr 2022 06:00:00 +0000

CSAs: fresh food for communities and the environment Anonymous (not verified) Wed, 04/06/2022 - 00:00

Kat Avedovech

What is community supported agriculture?

The term CSA, short for community supported agriculture, originated in Japan during the 1970s. Japanese philosopher Teruo Ichiraku started warning local communities that large scale farms were using dangerous pesticides. Around the same time, a local farmer named Yoshinori Kaneko experienced an abundant season of produce that led him to realize that his farm could feed more than just his family. Both men’s philosophies eventually intertwined, and the concept of community shares were introduced. The first trial of the CSA system happened when 10 Japanese families agreed to pay the farmer a sum of money to receive rice, wheat and vegetables. The definition of a CSA is outlined by the soil association as “a partnership between farmers and consumers where the responsibilities and rewards of farming are shared. CSA is a shared commitment to building a more local and equitable agricultural system, one that allows farmers to focus on good farming practices and still maintain productive and profitable farms.” Since established, CSAs have spread across the globe, appealing in many ways to both community members and farmers.

The problem with industrial agriculture

To further investigate the benefits of a CSA system, it is essential to address the most prominent food supplier in the United States, which is industrial agriculture. Industrial agriculture was promoted originally to decrease the number of farmers and increase the amount of factory workers after World War II. Today, these factory farms continue to operate under the two primary arguments that they are, one - cheaper from an economic standpoint, and two - the key to sustaining a growing population.

Industrial agriculture, while mass produced, still is not properly sustaining the entire United States population, let alone the world. One in nine people are malnourished worldwide and 12.7% of people in the US experience food insecurity.
The US participates in agricultural dumping, which is when cheaply produced grains are exported at a price cheaper than the price to produce. This practice not only puts farmers out of business in the United States but also disrupts other world agriculture markets. There is clear evidence that this practice raises poverty rates through unemployment and decreases crop diversity. Read more here.
In order to generate large yields of crops over a short period of time, pesticides are sprayed over thousands of acres of land. Pesticides are toxic to humans and animals; runoffs and biochemical buildups make them extremely dangerous to our health. Pesticides and herbicides create a dangerous feedback loop as they stop working over time, and then stronger pesticides are needed in order to be effective.
Due to government gifted tax breaks to large scale farms, local communities are suffering because the government is paying for pesticidal use. This damages any local communities' housing prices and physical health. They are paying taxes to have their community damaged. A study from 2005 found a loss of $10 billion in environmental and public health costs. This includes higher obesity rates, polluted drinking water and more.
There are also job shortages tied with industrial farming, as the need for human employment decreases with the advancement of large pesticide spraying machines.
Practices such as monocropping, when only one crop is grown across a vast area, are responsible for a decrease in biodiversity. Animals, plants and fungi cannot survive on one type of plant and thus are forced to relocate.

Ecological impact

A key part of a CSA is a diverse selection of crops. Plants with different root types increase the fertility of the soil in which they grow.
CSA members have lowered their ecological footprint. They are less reliant on fossil fuels, produce less pollution and cut back on chemical pesticidal use.
The localization of food also uses less water.
CSAs support biodiversity because farmers tend to cater to the ecosystem they are in. They grow crops suitable for the climate and organisms to flourish in. Local farmers respect the land.
Pest control is one worry that people have. Luckily, the best pest disposable systems are already in place in the ecosystem. Ecosystems naturally balance out - that's how they thrive. If a farmer grows produce suitable for the ecosystem, pests will not be a problem.

Advantages for farmers

Large scale factory farms receive tax breaks and permission from the government to use as many pesticides as that farm sees fit to produce optimal produce. In turn, these farms end up causing extreme damage to the local communities in terms of pollution and falling values of property.
As more of these factory farms have expanded, more have closed down. Being a part of a CSA helps farmers get the proper funds to expand their land while helping the community.
Local farmers already have to pay higher production costs, and sometimes farmers can’t even afford to pay themselves a salary. A CSA ensures farmer prosperity and helps them with the hefty taxes the US government implements.
Due to the rarity of farmers in the US, the few that are left form deep connections with each other and the land. Farmers that have a CSA system tend to communicate with other farmers around the area. They are all aware of each others' specific situation and grow crops with mindfulness of each other.

Advantages for the community

Consumers can be more aware of how their food is produced.
Community supported agriculture also saves money because shipping and processing costs are eliminated from the price of the produce. The food will also be at peak flavor and ripeness. There will also be a more diverse spread of crops each season.
Members enrich their cultural heritage by learning farming practices and techniques.
Locally grown food is more trustworthy than organic food which is oftentimes still used with pesticides.
The idea of “shared risk” is really what breeds a sense of community. When a crop does fail (a very rare occurrence) every person in the share is equally affected. The lack of disparities and inequalities ends up building the community up as people work together to find another alternative. The negative result becomes more manageable as people band together.
For the most part, when we go to a supermarket, most vegetables and fruits are available all season long. This is because produce items are grown all over the world and shipped to large supply chain grocery stores. The natural way of growing harvest is to work within the seasons by growing and harvesting at certain points of the year. When consumers unpack a CSA box, they get the luxury of naturally grown vegetables that helps consumers form a connection with the land and the seasons. It helps them appreciate the environment more.

Local CSA Options

Around the Boulder county area, there are many opportunities to buy a share of community agriculture stock. Here is a brief listing of family-owned farms that grow varieties of produce and goods:

Aspen Moon Farm LLC, Longmont

Seasonal vegetables, all USDA certified organic
Organic flower farms
Option to purchase seeds and plants and get instructions on how to grow them at home

Benevolence Orchard, Boulder

Picking vegetables “buffet style”
Mushroom shares
Honey harvested straight from the orchard

Bonavida Growers, Longmont

Arugula, broccoli, cabbage and turnips
Has single person, couple and family share options

Left Hand Wool Company, Niwot

Raises crossbred sheep and llamas that are grass fed
Wool is certified as naturally grown
Natural dyes made from plants

Ollin Farms, Longmont

Seasonal vegetables, fostering community and providing education

They have a weekly drop off at CU Graduate and Family Housing too!

Final Thoughts

On a global level, findings show that the close relationships between farmers and members of a CSA are organized around the values of food quality, locality and respect for the environment. The systems we have in place right now do not feed the world adequately yet still contribute to obesity rates. Feeding the world is a problem stemming from the need for power and control, not food availability. The food we grow right now is enough to feed a population of 10 billion, yet 1/9 people are starving in the world. Sustainable farming depends on working within the climate barriers and human-made barriers already set in place. Studies have found that within the right circumstances, crops grown on local farms can produce the same and sometimes even over the amount chemical crops produce. So as a community, let's all support our CSA farmers for a better future.

Check out this video of CSAs from PBS

Community supported agriculture can benefit individuals, farmers, the community and the land.

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