Topic: Green Growth
Subtopic: Recycling
When the days become longer and the cold of the winter slowly turns into the sun of the spring, you can hear and smell the sounds of nature. More fruits and vegetables make their way to our plates and you can feel the sun on your skin. But, have you ever thought about where the fresh fruits and vegetables we eat come from or how the flowers you smell grow?
Our best practice aims to bring all those wonderful sensations right to your doorstep. Experiencing the process of planting, nurturing, growing and eventually harvesting the fruits of your hard work provides lots of benefits that go beyond what can be seen.
Our workshop with the title “Pop-Up Allotment” opens up the possibilities for growing food. Throughout the seasons the workshop guides the visually impaired and intellectually challenged youngsters to cultivate their own little garden.
Allotment is usually referred to a small property somewhere outside your home where many people have their own little space to practice gardening and get in touch with nature. We want to bring the mini-version of that directly to students for them to enjoy the many benefits nature provides.
For that, redundant recycling boxes can be used that create an ideal environment for growing a whole range of fruit and vegetables. This way, the mantra of reduce, reuse and recycle is easily implemented. The container garden can be placed anywhere around the school. The location can be adjusted according to the weather situation and the plant’s needs.
This way students can learn to take over the responsibility of looking after something that is dependent on regular care. Moreover, reusing what is already there gives students the chance to understand how from seemingly old things, new things can emerge.
The benefits of getting in touch with nature are plentiful and can provide awesome experiences for everybody.
Through gardening, you can interact with your senses of touch, smell, and sound. It provides the opportunity to perceive the feel of the soil and the vegetation, smell the flavor of flowers and herbs, and hear the noises of insects and birds. This sensory stimulation is enriching for all.
Gardening also involves a lot of physical labor, including digging, planting, weeding, and harvesting. This can strengthen bones and muscles, boost flexibility and balance, and benefit cardiovascular health.
Getting into gardening not only strengthens your physical health but can also provide people a sense of accomplishment, connection to nature, and purpose, all of which are beneficial for mental health. This can help people feel less stressed and anxious. Taking care of plants may also be peaceful and therapeutic.
The access to fresh produce and getting to know the process of where our food comes from can help establish a more conscious way of living towards our earth’s resources. Getting involved in the process of recycling and learning how to use old things for new projects instead of throwing it away can give a sense of accomplishment. The students will feel proud of what they have earned by harvesting the fruits of their work.
Another important factor of getting into gardening and strengthening your relationship with nature is social interaction. Gardening connects the people with their community and lets others enjoy what you have worked together on.
In conclusion, green growth is essential for the health and wellbeing of both people and the planet. By hosting a pop-up allotment workshop, we can inspire and empower our community to take action towards a more sustainable future. Let us continue to take care of the planet, share our knowledge, and work together towards a greener tomorrow. Best wishes for a bountiful harvest!