2008 News and Information
Zero Mile Diet Gardening Workshop
12 March 2008Did you know 1,500 km is the average distance food travels from the field to your kitchen table? This extensive journey contributes to the amount of greenhouse gases being sent into the air. By producing more food locally, Richmond residents can do their part to decrease the impact of climate change while enjoying fresh produce.
“A 2006 food system assessment of Richmond found we are not producing enough food within City limits to feed ourselves,” explains Emy Lai, of Environmental Programs. “We need to grow more produce in our own backyards and balconies to offset the problems associated with transporting food over long distances.”
On Thursday, March 19 the City of Richmond is holding a Zero Mile Diet gardening workshop to educate residents on how to grow their own food. The workshop will look at what produce grows best in Richmond and when the best time is to plant. Learn what plants are critical to have in your backyard or balcony garden to provide a balanced diet for you and your family.
“While Richmond farms do grow a fair amount of vegetables, the protein source produced locally is low,” says Lai. Participants in the workshop will learn how to grow high protein plants such as edemame, dry beans, quinoa and amaranth as well as winter vegetables such as komatsuna, bok choi, gai lan and root crops. The instructors will emphasize year-round gardening and Chef Ian Lai will demonstrate cooking vegetables that are normally grown or stored through the winter & early spring.
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Location: Meeting Room M.2004, Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road Admission: FREE
To register for this free workshop call 604-276-4300 or register online at www.richmond.ca/parksrec/about/registration.htm.
This is the first is a series of workshops being offered by the City of Richmond looking at ways to reduce pesticides use and create a more sustainable community. The workshops are part of the City’s pesticides risk reduction policy, sustainability and greenhouse gas reduction initiatives.
