Why organic?
Today the sun was very strong and hot, I think I got a little bit burned. But I don’t really mind because I’ve been having a lot of fun here. This morning I worked at Andrea’s house helping build the bioswale. I dug in the hole and cut PVC. By the end of our work time we had finished digging the hole for the bio garden and now we just have to line it and fill it up with rocks and plants. As well as connect the plumbing.
Después del almuerzo…
We went and visited Juan’s familys’ coffee farm, and had a discussion con Jonathon about organic v. traditional/conventional farming. Juan’s farm was the perfect place to have this discussion as part of the farm is organic and the other is conventional. Jonathan had us split up into two groups and check out the two different sides and collect things we found interesting off the ground. I was in the group that explored the organic farm which looked a bit more wild and in disarray but there were many different types of plants besides coffee growing on this side of the farm. We found some yummy chayotes on the ground as well as some beautiful flowers (pictured in the gallery). After we trekked around for a bit, we swapped sides and observed the conventional side. This side was much more barren, and there was only dirt and dead leaves on the ground, the contrast was drastic. We then regrouped and had our discussion, sharing what we observed with one another. Ultimately we came to the conclusion that while organic farming is usually more expensive and can take longer it is better for the land and our bodies. Organic farming practices allow for biodiversity and maintain the integrity of the soil and water. Whereas conventional practices pollute the earth and kill surrounding life.
Jonathan also told us some stories from when he was first starting out trying to convince the farmers to switch to organic and how difficult and scary it was. Juan was actually one of the first farmers, who believed in Jonathan’s vision of organic farming and sustainability for a better planet. And he made part of his farm organic 12 years ago. Hearing this story was very inspirational and fills me with hope that people are willing to make changes for the betterment of the Earth we inhabit. This discussion really drove it home for me that it is important to buy organic whenever I can. We finished the night off having some delicious dinner at Juan and Johanna’s restaurant. I had a very good yuca vegetable patty. I’m excited for the rest of the trip and the new experiences to come.
Comentarios