Are Home Gardens Bad for the Environment?

[@xglsc6465]

The only bad thing about a home garden is that it makes big 'con agra' and the grocery store chains unhappy. Then there's the cost in environment pesticides. Herbicides...and trucking expenses.... No one but the gardener benefits 😁 big business is greedy.

[@richardpohwat7018]

Let's not forget about the labor to farm and pick. Including the taxpayer money in subsidies and immigration costs.

[@alia9087]

exactly, no account on the life of the soil or the bees and other insects being poisoned. My garden offers plenty of herbs and flowers that are all organic in order to help them. What big business does that?

[@valjustice4020]

Urban gardening isn’t hurting anything. Sad to see people buying into this.

[@Gogrannygo55]

Samd here.

[@kaesmomFitz]

I agree 100%

[@Ruth-xr2dz]

Totally agree!

[@Dodgeowner]

Yeah, and what are they so worried about? Folks hardly garden anymore. I'm 64. When I was growing up, it was rare to see a backyard WITHOUT a garden. Now, it's a rare to see a backyard WITH a garden. So they got their way., already. We gardeners aren't hurting anyone. What a waste of time doing this study. These folks need to leave us alone.

[@minermike61]

This is their religion now. These are the same people who swore I was the devil for not taking the covid injections. I am 61 and healthier than I have a right to be. This is how they gain control over the world's food supply. This is a Henry Kissinger teaching.

[@paulapaul525]

Did the study take into consideration how much carbon each plant removes from the environment as they grow? If we were serious about the amount of carbon in the air we would plant an enormous number of trees.

[@bev111]

Completely agree!

[@phoenixrising4762]

We (men and women) are the carbon they want to reduce.

[@gardengrowinmawmaw8642]

I totally agree, too. A scientist should know this...LOL This research has made this guy look really bad in any gardener's eyes.

[@osbornjewelryfeaturinggaia6677]

💯

[@christinefoster1137]

Excellent thought!!!

[@ruthgreen2014]

For research papers the first question should always be, "who funded the research"?.

[@Ruth-xr2dz]

Isn’t that the truth! Totally agree! It is hard to trust any study anymore…always an agenda.

[@bjquilts29]

Exactly!

[@aprilw7561]

Truth always look at who, financed it, and the agenda of why they did the report

[@larrysimpson62]

Exactly

[@gardengrowinmawmaw8642]

It's amazing what a little money will buy.

[@jvin248]

Interesting how they did not include the fact there are more acres of grass lawns cultivated than food acres (farmers and homeowners both) in the US. The amount of chemical , water, and fuel inputs are astronomical compared to home gardens, and zero servings output. Their real point is not about carbon, it's all about control. "Control the food, control the people".

[@lindahansen9395]

Exactly

[@larrysimpson62]

Agreed

[@gardengrowinmawmaw8642]

Not only is there so much grass, think about the useless shrubs that are planted for a few years, dug up and replaced. As one old woman used to say this kind of stuff makes my butt hurt. It's stupid talk.

[@judykindelberger3905]

Just look at what is happening to small farms in Oregon. Talk about control.

[@royalicing8603]

I think what really gets people upset, 'hair on fire', is how the media has presented this study. They've cherry-picked the parts of this study that make urban agriculture look really bad, and praised the parts that make commercial agriculture look good...then put those 'pieces' at the top of the articles, even using headlines that are negative to the backyard home growers. While I understand your love for 'good' studies, most people are 'headline' readers. I feel it's disingenuous of our media these days to always throw these hot topic headlines out there, causing more division and 'camps'. The headlines and top article paragraphs could have been encouraging and helpful to promote better methods and practices rather than throwing those of us who enjoy and rely on our backyard gardens UNDER THE BUS!

[@teresadaigle6991]

Well said.

[@marlysjcollins8775]

Yes, well stated.

[@marlysjcollins8775]

Pam, I understand and appreciate your enthusiasm for this report. I wish I had your faith in the system… I fear for the long term effect this will have on regulations, taxation, and CONTROL on our lives.

[@staciwilliams1604]

The only thing bad about a 100% organic pesticide and fungicide free garden is that every single person on the planet doesn’t have one!

[@theesper7404]

Right! Every abled person should have some sort of garden.

[@larrysimpson62]

Interesting how they don’t study the impact of mansion homes and pollution from producing alcoholic Beverages! No they want to mess with people’s food supply and this is just one way. Love you Pam and Jim. This is a facade of what the powers that be are trying to do!!

[@cbass2755]

Or the private jets! It’s us plebs who must be controlled…by them, I mean WEF, gates and those behind them. Look at all the bunkers being built by the elites? Zuck for one, on Hawaii. I hardly he’s worried about gouging the earth…

[@danniemcdonald7675]

I agree ...part of the agenda. I wish everyone would read the Cloward-Prixon strategy,and you would realize that it has been going on under our noses and is continuing at a mind-blowing speed.

[@alia9087]

@@danniemcdonald7675 perhaps the guy should have contrasted it against the use of private jets

[@danniemcdonald7675]

@@alia9087 Perfect! I'm still waiting to see how they (and all aircraft) will be converted to electric.

[@Seekingwisdom2322]

Thanks for reviewing the study with us. One of the fears that people have is for politicians who overzealously believe that the world is imminently doomed due to human activity will use this carbon footprint information to pass restrictive laws on home gardening. Politicians are no different than most people. Most people didn’t read this study, only the headlines. Politicians will do the same. Bad info makes bad laws.

[@missykuss9975]

Pam and Jim, I appreciate so much the work you put into educating us and explaining this study. My husband has been in research at the university level (Master Scientific Researcher) for 43 years. I completely understand what you have explained and it’s important that we all understand. The reference to the people ‘with their hair on fire’ however is a bit reactive in my opinion. I think the reason people are so upset though is because so often research is performed with an agenda or later used by others with an agenda to reduce people exercising their freedoms. It’s very true that at university level, you often can only obtain funding for research IF you are working to prove a theory that has a particular agenda. And people know this, therefore they are rightly concerned.

[@alia9087]

He would not have been mentioned in the newspapers had he concluded the opposite.

[@margaretsalinas2082]

Thank YOU for pointing out the bias.

[@judyjackson639]

Thank you for that extra bit of information. Many of us are no where near being an engineer I don’t care about the variables they need. We are constantly bombarded with information and data on a daily basis. It almost seems intentional and I do feel like another attempt at one of our freedoms is being challenged. One more thing, NYC is only 321 square miles where in Gods name would a garden grow in that concrete wasteland (and I’m originally from there) that provides adequate data. I’m sorry I would love to know the results in the other countries.

[@maiatoma7194]

Agree, people are mad because they feel they have less and less freedom and choices for themselves and their family.And yes, we are aware about the agenda on all governments levels and the purpose is to remove the people ability to chose and to act for protecting and providing for themselves.They want us to fully depend on what gov has to provide for them.Thank you for pointing this out so beautiful.

[@lisaschafer5534]

I'm an engineer who has a large garden and we also live on a working farm. Through personal experience I can assure you the carbon footprint numbers need to be flip-flopped. Our current infrastructure is going on 6 years. We compost, recycle, and reuse. We do not till. We share the bounty with others. We have very little carbon footprint. There is no way this limited study even begins to reflect real life for most of us, much less accurately portrays how much goes into growing and harvesting a conventional crop (even just considering the fuel needed for farming!). I share others' concerns that studies like this will not be understood to be the very very limited baby step it is by those in government over us who want nothing else than to take everything that is good for us away.

[@kellymae2421]

So many baby steps they seem to be taking 😢

[@maryanne4677]

not only that but this so called innocent academic, scientific research will surely be used against the small farmer in the future.

[@gabygarcia8367]

I would prefer to see a research comparing your way of gardening (like mine) with a "buying culture gardener"...there is a huge difference there. When Pam reads that the selected cities were NY and London it seems the researcher was measuring a 35th floor terrace garden than a normal backyard. Here, as a researcher and designer, I think this selection was made on purpose, it makes me feel that the researcher has chosen the worst (and most expensive) scenario for gardening.

[@elizabethfarkas6468]

And to think during WWII? the US Government was advocating and promoting everyone to grow a victory garden!

[@researcheverything1970]

Oregon is now shutting down small farms based on ridiculous criteria. We are talking about a tiny farm with 3 cows because the milking station has a concrete floor??? Or a woman growing an organic garden and selling healthy produce to neighbors (because of water use from her own well.) Clearly the state of Oregon is more concerned with control than healthy food options.

[@Petunia-Greene]

My backyard garden uses no weed killer, no fertilizer, no tractors or combines. They don’t have a problem with my garden - they have a problem with self-sufficient me not drinking their kool-aid.

[@Petunia-Greene]

@@JoLynnDrake-mc6bb not to mention I’ve set up a bio diverse backyard which encourages pollinators.

[@bevfitzsimmonds3382]

😂👍❤

[@t.k159]

Do not underestimate the people who are trying to control the world. They are not ONLY talking about gardens, animals, cars and coffee using so much carbon. They are talking about YOU AND I. They are trying to stop them. And that means you and I are a problem. Irradication is not off their list.

[@kaesmomFitz]

WE are the carbon they want to reduce.

[@amymorales4622]

Correct! In their own words, they have a depopulation agenda.

[@Cards36555]

Bill Gates and the WEF

[@buckonono7996]

@@Cards36555 100% Agree. Sadly, many people will not look at the WEF or Bill Gates' websites and see what their goals are. They spell it all out clearly and have been working towards their goals for a long time. This is one step towards meeting those goals.

[@cbass2755]

👍

[@kedd2318]

Every time I hear or see the term carbon footprint I lose my mind. We hear about global warming. Can someone tell me a what the temperature is supposed to be? Can anyone explain why there are alligator fossils in Nova Scotia but no more alligators. Could that perhaps have been when the northern climate was considerably warmer. Why was the ocean so much higher along the coast of England millions of years ago yet all of a sudden we are panicked the sea is rising. So I will ask once more. What is the temperature supposed to be?

[@kaesmomFitz]

It has nothing to do with the temperature. it's about total control.

[@dancinginabundance]

Watch some of the documentaries on "our planet," to find the planet is simply going through yet another change. I agree with you!

[@wordlesslyrics001]

It's always interesting to see just how rich many of these climate change people become promoting this stuff. And usually they consume/use much, much more of the stuff they say the common people shouldn't. Beware of what's going on.

[@cbass2755]

Love these comments…♥️ yes…our earth takes care of itself as it always has…it’s the evil that’s new, not the beautiful, wonderful earth

[@sarahhardy8649]

You know about plate tectonics, continental drift and Pangea yes?

[@Marbleslite]

It's hard to believe that commercial agriculture has such a low carbon output. So transporting all this food, freezing it, using trucks, railroads, cargo ships, the use of storage facilities, not to mention just the farming equipment alone, and just an example, the new stuff that they're putting on produce so it looks shiny and fresh (doesnt that have a carbon output too?), all of this was considered in the "infrastructure" for commercial agriculture? And their number was only 70? Right. The government is going to love this study. A good ROI if you ask me. It's the govt that brought this whole issue of carbon footprint to our table and now studies like this will support their future efforts. I also have noticed that within the smart cities being built in my backyard in NY they don't seem to include any room for gardening, individual or community. Isnt that interesting?

[@kaesmomFitz]

It's part of their agenda. Of coruse they'll fund a study like this - and I'm sure the "researchers" were paid big bucks to conduct it... and come up with the required results.

[@gardengrowinmawmaw8642]

And the president and Taylor Swift can continue to fly their jets all over the world, and they leave no carbon footprint. Can anyone explain this?

[@Growmap]

I want to know what else they did or didn't measure. For example, the cost of getting the food from the garden to the table vs from somewhere in the world to the store and then to your table. And what about excess food shared with friends, co-workers and neighbors? Or offered at farmer's markets? Or preserved for future years? This is propaganda to be used against those who choose to raise their own food. Not to mention whether "carbon footprint" is even a valid concern in the first place.

[@teresadaigle6991]

I thought NY City was not a good area for this study. Hah!

[@LindaPalermo-y1e]

How much carbon is used when we grow apples in the United States ship them to China to process into applesauce, and then ship the jars back to the United States? I can buy apples 10 minutes from my house and process them into applesauce in my kitchen, faster cheaper, and with a lot less carbon

[@gypsy4designs]

It’s all nonsense and there is absolutely nothing bad about a home garden, we need people to be more independent and to stop depending on big corporations and government to take care of us. I don’t care what the ridiculous studies come out with because they do not take everything that needs to be included in these studies. 6:43

[@peaceofmyhearthomestead4611]

there is a portion of our society that will 100% exploit and blow this up into a huge issue exploiting the findings for their own benefit and to the detriment of Home gardeners that is why people are reacting so strongly.

[@Ruth-xr2dz]

So , I follow a family on KZbin that is from Australia. They built a farm from the ground up. When they bought their land there was nothing on it…no barns, fences, animals, etc. After lots of hard work, they had a farm with animals and garden produce, eggs, hay, etc. Well, guess what? The Australian government created so much regulation, laws and red tape that they basically said a small rancher can’t afford to be in business. They were no longer making a profit because of the strangling regulations. They have since sold out and moved to a country that is welcoming their farming skills. It’s all a slippery slope sometimes. The little guy always suffers at the hands of big business and big government. I personally know that there are hardly any small farms left anymore in the U.S. I am not opposed to being wise in how people garden. I just want the government to stay out of my business and all these “studies” make me suspicious. It’s just the times we live in…very hard to trust.

[@comtaar2245]

Omg no, is this rubbish about gardening being propagated? Keep gardening, it’s one of the best things people can do at home.

[@bluebirdgramma6317]

Helps keep my depression and loneliness at bay! Love my tiny 8ft by 10ft garden space. Also my flowers in hanging baskets bring smells and smiles! Hugs to all home gardeners.

[@tammywhite9229]

I doubled mine this year. The gov can stick their agenda where the sun don’t shine! I’m growing all I can because they keep trying to starve us out of the grocery stores.

[@cbass2755]

And it’s actually why they want to take it away.

[@minermike61]

Eventually they will come for our gardens, pets, cars. These folks will not give up. They have already got a foothold on brainwashing young people as well.

[@tammywhite9229]

Thank you for doing this study. I don’t believe the small farm is the issue. The same people doing the whining about us increasing carbon footprints fly their private jets everywhere they go. I agree we ALL need to do our best to take care of Gods creation. The same ones worried about destroying the earth don’t hesitate to destroy a fetus. It’s where the money is and the climate change has become a religion.

[@Ruth-xr2dz]

Can’t agree more!

[@lummichigan3101]

They have a political agenda & making reports to prove their agenda!! Not impressed!!

[@jacquiesuper2200]

Agreed!

[@larrysimpson62]

Right on Target

[@trudyschaaf9917]

Unfortunately, one study could be used against the urban farm with the way things are today. If we trusted our government to do the right thing, then much of the fuss would not happen.

[@milenelaube]

AND eventually this will impact into regulations, taxes and fines

[@tammywhite9229]

@@trudyschaaf9917 no one trusts our gov anymore. It’s sad how quickly things changed.

[@theatticbarn1799]

I wish they would do a study on agricultural planes spraying chemicals on the fields. These chemicals drift on our properties and gardens and even on little children out playing. They could could even do a study on how many people have ended up with cancer over it. That’s the kind of study I would love to see done.

[@buckonono7996]

Last fall when I visited Madison, WI, I was delighted to see so many people with very small yards had taken to growing things in the front yards and the tree lawns. They didn't have room for a backyard garden that would receive enough sun, so they got creative and made the best out of what they had. Most were growing food, but almost everyone had added flowers to the mix. As we took a stroll in the late afternoon, many were outside tending their gardens. There were children and adults of all ages involved. We probably walked a total of a mile in the area and met so many friendly folks. One child offered us a flower she had picked for us. It was terrific to see the joy of gardening alive and well in the city. I would hope they would be allowed to continue.

[@pamharkins4601]

That’s so fantastic and soothes the soul! ❤

[@gerribeckerman7994]

My son recently moved to Madison, Wisconsin. (from Florida)He loves it up there. He's been telling me how friendly the people are.

[@buckonono7996]

@@gerribeckerman7994 I think people in WI are some of the nicest you will find. Glad your son is experiencing the same.

[@maryanne4677]

shhhhhh, that is exactly what the government and commercial farming does not want!!!

[@dandycat2204]

I grow my own food. I used no chemical fertiliser, pesticides, insecticides (nothing but the odd witty aside). The only machinery I use is a spade, a fork, a hoe, and a pair of secateurs. Can anyone explain how I am contributing to Carbon Emissions? Didn't think so.

[@Ruth-xr2dz]

Exactly! I do the same! This makes no sense to me. Unfortunately, we live in a time where deciding the outcome of a study is done prior to the study. I will keep gardening the old fashioned way.

[@teresadaigle6991]

Same here.

[@osbornjewelryfeaturinggaia6677]

Same here

[@Petunia-Greene]

Wow. I’m laughing - I literally made the same statement only an hour ago here. Great minds think alike!!

[@dandycat2204]

@@Petunia-Greene 🤣🤣🤣🤣 You're absolutely right, Petunia. You, me, Einstein, and... Sherlock Holmes.

[@tsa-wnc]

I’m sorry, let’s do the carbon footprint on our elite flying to India for a three day wedding party.

[@gracewalker381]

Hard for me to understand how millions of acres of commercially owned ‘farms’ produce less co 2 than small urban patches.

[@dandycat2204]

Simply, they don't. Curiously though, a few years back, one of the Conspiracy Theories doing the rounds was exactly this. That the powers that be would restrict the People's ability to grow and produce their own food, making them dependant on commercially grown food, which could, itself, be restricted, thus using food as a method of control, assuring compliance. "Do as we say...or starve!!". Not quite such a Conspiracy Theory after all??

[@rebekahrobinson6928]

Can’t companies buy “carbon credits” to offset their real number?

[@alia9087]

part printed in papers in Europe said we make compost and that is bad for the environment. How would it be better to put it in a bin to be carted away by a lorry to be dumped in a large pile and composted? Makes zero sense. Most gardeners make their own soil, do not need to import compost and step outside to harvest. No way is that worse. Its a con by anyone's standards

[@GardengateDreamer]

​@@alia9087haven't we always been told to reuse and recycle? Compost is exactly that. How are things that are completely natural to the environment i.e. leaves manure, sticks, etc. "Bad" for the environment .

[@dandycat2204]

@@alia9087 Hi Alia. My earlier post was deleted by Big Brother, I mean KZbin, but I will give it another go... A few years back, it was a popular belief (alternative word used there) that the Elites were trying to prevent people from growing their own, in order to increase the dependency on commercially grown crops. It being easier to control people's behaviour if they are threatened with starvation (social credit scoring, aka China). Just saying.

[@Ruth-xr2dz]

I’m old enough to remember the big push to plastic bags. The “experts” screamed we were killing the trees. No matter the fact trees are/were a very renewable resource. Now I see the push back to paper bags not to mention more glass containers for things (I buy milk in glass bottles and return them to get my deposit back). It’s funny how the old becomes new again. All changes touted by “experts” aren’t necessarily the right thing. When it comes to gardening, there is always a necessary investment in supplies. Although, the investment can be minimal. My parents used nothing fancy to garden. I pick up used tools and materials. I think there are more important things to worry about.

[@IBSteve]

My issue is that these products that we purchase are already made, so the carbon footprint is not of my doing. To claim that I’ve added anything in the way of carbon to the atmosphere is failed justification.

[@arg6193]

A better study would include all the potash mining, all the years of roundup studies, all the gmo crops development, all the development of agriculture heavy equipment all the carbon of these and the carbon of all the fertilizer run-off into our water ways. All the shipping it takes to get the crops around the world. All the crops that are wasted to keep the economy of farming healthy. All the federal funds or taxpayer sweat and tears that subsidize commercial farmers have these been accounted for?

[@jenniferpackard6558]

The reaction to a study like this is because of the fear (not unfounded) of laws and legislation that might come forth as a result. I am very interested in sustainability and have even received a Sustainable Agriculture grant from my state. I agree that taken on its own the study is informative. The problem is always what the government does with it. Will they beat us over the head with it or impose fines or penalties?

[@theIAMofME]

Don't forget MORE TAXES!!

[@maryanne4677]

I think we all already know the answer to that question and we don't even need a degree or a grant to come up with it.

[@reenyny9502]

So they ding the backyard gardener trying to put food on the table -- with the carbon footprints of mega profiteering corporate manufacturers. We see what they did there.

[@alibali672]

The higher ups will encourage neighbours in that group who believe it to snitch on anybody who dares to garden. Now is the time to educate everyone so this cannot happen.

[@gfc_in_the_oh9067]

They selected the variables that would give them the results that certain people wanted them to get. We all know what they are trying to do, it's called control. Control every aspect of life of the people they can control. We all know where the idea for this study came from, and who funded it.

[@janscutter]

I had to remind myself, it’s a first study, it’s based on the starting year of an urban garden, it isn’t including the subsequent years, it’s not keeping the knowledge increase and garden output in mind. My inner farmer is wanting to be incredibly snarky on what was lacking and my inner educator is smacking the inner farmer upside the head

[@calleenramsay625]

Thank you for this! All I heard was that the study was trying to discourage people from growing their own food. I’m starting a larger garden this year, this will be so helpful in planning it!

[@LoriBringman]

I understand what you are saying but it all depends on what the “powers that be” decide to take away from the study. I just talked to a coworker who has been told he has to get rid of his back yard raised garden or he will be evicted. He has had them for about 3 yrs and knowing him I am sure they are well maintained. I don’t know if he belongs to an HOA but if he does it seems like it would have been a problem before now. This is in MI by the way….

[@oliviablackstar6339]

Yes, I too think this study will just be another step to taking control of our food supply. Even citing the limitations and the fixes, they don't need to use the whole study to convince someone in power, that it's "for the best" to stop gardeners. After all you can just go the store and buy those imported tomatoes. Also, all of those things they sited to change, many gardeners do already, but, what about those of lower income or fixed incomes, (or status), can we afford to make all those changes they would want us to make. No? Then just stop gardening.

[@SBrinkley2326]

This is exactly what I worry about with this type of study. "The powers that be" (and you know who that is) will NOT look at the benefits of back yard gardens (and the freedoms they afford us) they will only look at those final numbers 420 grams vs 70 grams of carbon footprint (whatever that is. No one has ever given me a satisfactory answer). They will then make our backyard gardens and small scale farming illegal. Pam, I love your channel and what you have to offer but I am not sure that I agree with you on this issue. I equate this study with the USDA poo - pooing electric pressure canners.

[@maryanne4677]

it is only the beginning!!! I feel very bad for your friend but I am going to feel a lot worse when it happens to the rest of the country. Oh, It might come tomorrow for the rest of us but it will come tomorrow for someone and then someone else the next day and the next and the next. Then, it will be our turn. The government and big corporate business wants and needs control of everything we do and everything we have. PLEASE pay attention to what the small farmers in other countries are facing. It isn't just here. It is world wide and our country is trailing a little behind because we do still have some freedoms.

[@debbiehuth9742]

Just another way to control food sources

[@lisaferrari9211]

First thing to do is to check and see who paid for the study. Follow the money.

[@heidiw8406]

Apparently, it was government agencies in the different countries.

[@kattorbush6142]

Thank you, Pam! I am also a scientist (psychologist...hi Jim!) I'm a little ashamed of myself for not pulling up the actual study to read, and I'm happy you did. One thing for people to be aware of and to consider is the organization that reports on the article for public consumption. While researchers should have no biases, the presenters may cherry pick results to slant opinion in a particular direction.

[@teresadaigle6991]

I agree totally.

[@sheilaorr7526]

And they will.

[@maryanne4677]

you say cherry pick and slant... I say manipulate and misrepresent. It is quite easy to do. I have even done it!!!!

[@bjquilts29]

Garbage in, garbage out! How many urban farms are there in NYC! Who paid for this "study"!

[@reenyny9502]

I appreciate your educational diplomacy. I will wait for the study on heightened carbon footprint of NOT having or allowing urban gardening -- the real issue. Those far outweigh not gardening.

[@astroranger5528]

I've been learning a lot about regenerative farming, practices like minimal tillage and cover cropping demonstrably enhance soil health by promoting microbial activity and boosting organic matter content. This translates to improved soil fertility, structure, and water retention, as evidenced by studies showing significant increases in soil organic carbon. Additionally, reduced chemical use and diverse plantings foster biodiversity, with research suggesting an increase in pollinator abundance and diversity, potentially benefiting pest control. Finally, by increasing soil organic carbon sequestration, regenerative agriculture plays a crucial role in mitigating climate change, as studies have shown its effectiveness in storing carbon and offsetting atmospheric CO2 emissions

[@GrumpyGrannysGoatsNGardens]

Yes. When in doubt, look what nature has been up to 🌱🌼🌱

[@reneeweitz878]

Don't you see where this is going? Starve the people-control the people.

[@gardengrowinmawmaw8642]

AMEN. I can't believe that people don't see this.

[@marygrott8095]

I very much appreciate all the time amd effort you took to truly analyze this study!

[@HumorMe2]

THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS OUT THERE ROSE! Excellent explanation of how, when, why & where of the studies, scientists, data for us! Very much appreciated. EVERYONE that can, PLEASE grow as much food for yourselves as possible!! Grow bags are a good start for small spaces!!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

You are so welcome! Jim

[@Foxysvacation]

The issue is that the study was unethically reported in the news media with no context and limitations. The study authors should have demanded it be retracted and restated in the media correctly.

[@rosemeribarabe5706]

Can you tell us how the carbon footprint for commercial growers was determined? I'm wondering who determined that number. What was the criteria used to come up with that number? Were they the same as the ones used in this study? I find it hard to believe that with the cost of land acquisition, all the machinery, water, seed, fertilizer, pesticide, labor, storage, shipping, and packaging required in commercial ag. , that the carbon footprint is so much lower than backyard gardens. Just curious.

[@aftermidnight4867]

I would like to know that too. Now I have to go find and read… My guess is that commercial farming can lay down servings in the 10’s, if not 100’s, of thousands of servings- whether or not the serving is actually consumed. Whereas an urban/back yard gardener couldn’t even begin to compare to that quantity. On the surface I’m thinking it’s not an apples to apples comparison? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I felt the most upsetting thing for people is the way our government people take these kind of results and put restrictions on the population. Many of those politicians don't understand those studies and make laws based on their lack of knowledge. I haven't read this study but I do know there are so many things that can't be taken in account of. For instance the effects of the different methods of farming. If they use fertilizers or pesticides what effects do they have. That can't be figured into studies. I agree that we can do better. I use old boards that would have been burned to make raised beds. We can be better but all farmers can be better. I will have to see if I can find that study. I see they have taken in other factors that weren't in the study but are benefits! Thanks for clarifying things. It helps all of us.

[@lisapulkrabek7334]

One major pproblem with the study is the headline that the press gives it. Low information Americans don't care to even read a simple article so the headline gives "the whole story" to them. So the media and whoever labeled the study have just told the world that urban and backyard gardeners are bad for the environment. Shame on them.

[@carolfyfe607]

And it gets repeated, here and elsewhere.

[@sandracampbell5590]

You should do this calculation for your garden this years. The study takes all the co2 for wood for raised bed in year one. So year two it would be low co2 input

[@stringkmcc7817]

Thank you for explaining things. But i will say this makes me uncomfortable bc our "gov"is already trying to get rid of farms and rural garden. They are not the best at using all the info, this could be fuel for them. I will say i was raised with gardens that did as you mentioned, reusing things, not buying new, ect i hope this is used properly.

[@clashalley5575]

Of COURSE our home gardens are less efficient than big agriculture sheesh. Its like hand knitting a hat vs one made in a factory. It’s just obvious. BUT the drive for farming efficiency has left us with MUCH less nutritious foods, food contaminated with pesticides, antibiotics, herbicides. The ground is depleted of nutrients we don’t get in store bought foods any more, we all eat carcinogens, have leaky guts, food allergies, other digestive issues from all the gmos, new food related studies show links to not just cancer but autism, birth defects, diabetes and other disorders. How could they possibly compare the quality of home grown food versus the mass produced food that is killing our country? Ridiculous. We can be more aware of our carbon footprint by irrigating, recycling, creating permaculture food forests etc but I’m shocked they would compare apples to oranges like this. Home gardeners are not growing the same food as mass producing farms.

[@MD-ky4ho]

Well said!!

[@k.p.1139]

Thanks Ms. Pam. I am glad you stated over and over that this study is a drop in the bucket. If you have done any study on soil health, you will find that 10 neighbors, using the exact same products, will have not only 10 different growing conditions, but also, hundreds, and even thousands of different microclimates on their property. Even the farmers garden differently, and that alone changes the math. Weather- folks going through drought will not have the same carbon output and those who have the perfect amount of rain. Way to many "inputs" to say, the urban farmers carbon footprint is higher than a commercial farm. I agree with most of the comments on here. There is always a political agenda somewhere in the woodpile. I mean really- eating a fabricated fake burger is supposed to be better? I grow for my family to have good food and to save money.

[@Lettie-hj7nc]

We have a God who created the Heavens and Earth. We humans are not going to destroy it for our future generations. We have enemies of this administration and elites who have all intention of destroying you, me and our families. Our God is all knowing and powerful…I rest in Him…He doesn’t need our help! I’ll continue as is. BTW I’ve learned a lot from your channel.

[@Ruth-xr2dz]

I love how “smart” people think they are going to “control” the planet. I guarantee that in 50-100 years scientists will be trying to figure out how to warm the planet up. I remember the early 70’s when they said the planet was getting colder. It’s all a game and people make money off of all of it…from the academics to big business. Government is always looking for ways to control people. I respect Pam and Jim for teaching helpful things but also recognize they spent their careers in academia. We all have to filter information provided to us for what it is worth.

[@buckonono7996]

AMEN!

[@JoanWakefield]

They ones that are against gardening should study the first chapters of the Bible.

[@lisapulkrabek7334]

I don't think those who are against gardening have ever cracked the Bible open once. @@JoanWakefield

[@margaretsalinas2082]

God bless you for saying this! It is TRUE!

[@MrsIda]

I have reused many supplies for my gardening. I know gardening is great for my physical and mental health.

[@lmckenzey5932]

Hi Pam. I have been watching your videos for three years and have enjoyed learning about canning and cooking off grid and prepping for the unknown. I really appreciate that you allowed comments from both sides to be shown. There are many content creators that sadly do not do this.

[@zaanodes]

Thank you for your unbiased and sane analysis of this first-step study on urban gardening. As you pointed out, there is always room for improvement. Haphazard "improvements" don't guarantee true improvements. Studies like this help target actions that do lead to true improvements. The time, effort, resources, and sheer grit that Jim and you expend on trying to educate is enormous. Kudos. I hope you continue following up on this topic as well as all the other subjects that you both cover. Wonderful job!

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thank you! We agree, this a study that others researchers can use as a model for the future. Jim

[@phil16woman64]

Glad you are dealing with this. There are always efficiencies of scale but there are so many other variables to consider. The benefits of eating local compared to food shipping costs, health benefits of being outside in the sun, fresh air, exercise. Being more connected to the earth and appreciation of the Creator who provides. Great job reviewing this.

[@chrisbaker5051]

I have learned throughout my 70 years is that to be truly educated on something, you must study all sides, inside and out. This study is simply one out of many, many sources of information and experiences. I will stay tuned for updates.

[@theIAMofME]

Who pays this scientists salary? Who funded this "study"?

[@GrumpyGrannysGoatsNGardens]

OMG 😱 that lush green garden you have looks terrifying 💚!! (not). Thank you for this important and informative video. Now it's time to pick up our shovels and fight

[@robinwinslow1867]

I understand what you are saying, and I certainly appreciate that you have read it and explained it so that we can understand it, too. I think the people that reacted strongly to this study did so because they know that the politicians don't worry about seeing multiple studies to prove or disprove something. There is an agenda being pushed to end home gardens, homesteading, etc., because of the carbon footprint of such things. This study would reinforce that agenda. I believe science is a good thing. I think we can all do better, and most of us are willing to make changes in order to continue growing our own food. I know our garden is one crazy looking place because my husband recycles anything he can to use as garden beds. An old refrigerator, a bent canoe, a water heater he cut in half, old barrels different businesses were throwing out, and of course scrap wood from old buildings, etc. He recycles old paper boxes to use to keep weeds down, too. Plus, he composts. I never know what he is going to come home with next. I don't mind, and I have thought how ingenious to use such things. He always makes sure that there were no chemicals in the containers, and he is very careful to take out the innards that might contain harmful materials. The one thing we aren't doing that we need to work on is rainwater catchment. We don't have a set up for it, but I did purchase the tarps to use to do it. Again, I appreciate what you have shared so much. You know, many of us gave up butter because a study came out saying how bad it was for us. People switched to margarine or plant-based substitutes. Later, another study said that those were bad, but butter was good for you. I think folks are just scared of what is going to happen. This study happened to come along at a time when it seems it proves that those pushing the green initiatives are right. People are afraid of losing even more freedom. Many people have gone back to growing at least some of what they eat, especially after the lockdowns. It is also because of inflation. People simply cannot purchase what they did a year ago. Your videos show us how to do things that will ensure that we will be able to eat good, nutritious food in most situations. Thank you so much. Reading just a few of the comments tells me that the fear is still there. I do understand that, as I am concerned about it myself. I think perhaps a video on how to plant things so that it doesn't look like a garden may be in order. I do think there is a very real threat to our living sustainably and self-sufficiently.

[@MD-ky4ho]

Maybe micro greens are the way to go, until they find a reason to ban that.

[@teresadaigle6991]

Most cities do not allow you to collect rain water. Crazy as it seems.

[@lindahansen9395]

Study the cons of ESG and where the government is going with carbon footprint. It is not a good thing. Each person will be given so much carbon footprint points and if you go over the amount you will be fined, taxed, monitored, and/or regulated. For instance if you purchase too much red meat you will be denied any more for the month, if you fly/drive the allocated miles the government says you won’t be able to drive or fly the rest of the month, etc. This is why they have to go to digital currency so they can monitor everything you spend. There is so much more I could say but you will have to research it yourself. If you think the government is too big now just wait. If we don’t want all our freedoms taken away we must educate ourselves and speak out.

[@MD-ky4ho]

Well said!

[@ohiofarmgirl3384]

Everyone who have been growing their own foods, whether it’s garden or animal variety, please continue to do so. Anyone who is thinking about it, please do so. This is just getting ridiculous!

[@joeblanch10]

I had this conversation with a friend. He could not understand the limitations of the study. He was upset. I did my best to try and explain that more studies may be done and take more variables into account. I texted the link to this video. Hopefully he understands.

[@michellegrovak]

To start with the premise that CO2 is bad for the environment is the first error.

[@dianelyons3033]

I'M IN MY SECOND YEAR OF CONTAINER GARDENING USING HALF BARRELS SET ON FREE OLD PALLETS, USING RABBIT POO FOR FERTILIZER, FEEDING EXTRA TO MY CHICKENS. I love recycling all I can. Thank you for this video.

[@MistySlocomb]

It would be interesting to see another study done that compared Urban gardening carbon footprint versus Urban Landscaping... and no, I have no idea how that would get designed. It was just a thought

[@dawngordonross1581]

I really appreciate you addressing this as both a scientist and an urban gardener. Thank you

[@Cmdraquarius]

Thank you for the way you explain how the academy works in doing research papers! I always appreciate your reliance on science and data!

[@pamharkins4601]

People do exactly like you said, jump to conclusions ! Thanks so much. Appreciate your explanation.

[@LouieLou998]

This study considers carbon dioxide emissions as a bad thing. The CO2 levels in our atmosphere is just about as low as they’ve ever been in the history of the earth. We’re at 170 ppm now and if we drop below 150 ppm, plant life ceases to exist. We use CO2 generators in our greenhouses to greatly improve plant growth. I would need much more information to persuade me to believe that more CO2 is a bad thing. I know several biologists that don’t seem to think so.

[@stillwatersfarm8499]

Yours was the only report on this study I’ve been willing to listen to. Thanks for a reasonable run down. So many people just run with headlines, and I’m over it.

[@biblereadingwithstudyguide2832]

Thank you for taking all the time needed to delve into that study and share with us your findings.

[@gracefulcat68]

our shed was built in 1850, hope co2 was cheaper then... lol. not buying into the whole 'plant food is going to kill us all' stuff, sorry. most honest reports show earth is half the co2 levels plants need to thrive. more green things growing means more o2.

[@reniermeyer1866]

Great information! The take away should not be 'ohhh, we should stop gardening', but what can we do to increase yields and output, with less input. Reuse, recycle and repurpose. Compost, contain polutants and plant wisely. If you are in a dry area, plat water wise crops, use fall leaves as mulch etc.

[@sundrop3911]

It seems to me this current administration only did one study before implementing the wind and solar farms that by all means cannot meet the demands of the populous. We are no way ready to do away with fossil fuels at the rate they are pushing it. So, it would not surprise me for them to put restrictions on urban gardens with only limited studies done. I can understand the outrage over the release of this study with the track record of what has been happening to this country over the last few years. Thank you for your honest opinion about the study, but I believe there is another agenda people are more concerned about that is being hidden in the name of tracking our carbon footprint.

[@maryanne4677]

you are much kinder than I am. Thank you. Now that is one thing I could improve on!!!

[@Deborah-kh3ur]

Dr. Pam, I applaud you for your excellent presentation on the article by Hawes, J.K., Goldstein, B.P., Newell, J.P., et al. Comparing the carbon footprints of urban and conventional agriculture. Nat Cities 1, 164-173 (2024). You mastered the information and presented it in a thorough and concise presentation. As you mentioned, we all can contribute to lowering our carbon footprint, even in little ways. We are stewards of the land God gave us, and we should take every opportunity to learn and grow to be better stewards. I think this article had strong conceptualization, methodology, and formal analysis and proved the work that this team of researchers. This study is a great steppng stone for future studies as you voiced.

[@annak1911]

As always, I appreciate your calm, level-headed approach to research. Just as there are knee-jerk reactions by those who support small farm/homestead gardens, I think the fear is what kind of knee-jerk reaction their counterparts will have and what restrictions will try to be inacted by those counterparts. My hope would be that everyone will see that this is just a small slice of a very big pie, but most humans do not really think that way.

[@learnerlove6853]

Appreciate your fair and nuanced commentary.

[@stefflcus]

Very good, thank you for your work on this! One problem leading to the reaction is irresponsible science reporting, whether through ignorance or a preference for sensationalism. As Jess at Roots and Refuge has said, "They're selling fear. Don't buy it," where "they" is whoever wrote the headline, NOT the authors of the study. We shouldn't have to go read the study (although I like to) or have someone else very qualified (you!) explain it to get the salient points. But I'm happy you did. This is all useful.

[@danniemcdonald7675]

From what I understand, nearly everything increases global warming and carbon footprints except private jets and certain peoples' personal vehichles, homes and appliances. While I appreciate studies such as these, I realize that some can easily be manipulated to fit certain agendas. Do enough of them and just about anyone can find one they agree with ... or that proves their way of thinking

[@maryanne4677]

Exactly!!!! Take more vacations!!! Travel to exotic places to bring home illnesses!! Golf every other day on those beautifully manicured golf courses. Ski on those mountains covered in manmade snow. Yes, those are the important things in life!

[@TheDj4088]

Thanks for the calm clear explanation of this study. This type of analysis is hard to come by particularly in this genre of content. I'm very selective about the type of content I consume in homesteading, gardening, preserving etc as so much of it is based on old wives tales or how someone is feeling on a particular day etc. You objective approach has gained a subscriber, thanks.

[@sandikeizer4129]

What a bunch of blah blah blah! Going to go grab my shovel and leave a few of my own footprints in my dirt!

[@MissWoggy]

I really appreciated this video. I seen someone else’s video that was making it all look like the study was saying no one should do urban gardening and they actually put out t-shirts that says Defiant something. Meaning they’re against the study. It really should help a lot of people. You are so smart Pam. I applaud you.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thank you for your comments. Jim

[@connie8492]

Thank you so much for giving me a different perspective on this that was not colored by the media. I can see why people are afraid. this can be used against urban gardening, it wouldn't be the first time something like that was done. Our best defense to that is to use it for our benefit. education IS our best defense against misinformation.

[@DeborahMiracle-p6s]

Pam, I understand what you are saying. I believe the point of this is not that the researcher is trying to dissuade people from having home gardens, but that we should garden responsibility even if they are small gardens. No one could argue that commercial gardens are generally a more efficient way to produce food, but there is also a need for the small home garden which has many benefits other than a carbon footprint. Thank you for presenting this information.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Yes, your comments make sense. Jim

[@crystalcurtis3771]

I read the research article when it first came out and had many the same thoughts that you did, that people were overreacting. I think the knee-jerk, though, comes from things such as bans on gas appliances. It was just over a year ago, that they announced, gas stoves cause an increased incidence of asthma in children, and the government assured us nobody was after our gas stoves. In the interim since there have been multiple very large cities that have gone on to do exactly that.

[@JamesParrottBleuParrot]

Urban gardens help with food insecurities. These farms provide fruits and vegetables that may be unavailable due to location and income.

[@carolfyfe607]

But their carbon footprint! (gasp)

[@peaceofmyhearthomestead4611]

i'm guessing one of the variables they didn't consider was the amount of fast food restaurants we have. ... the majority of people are not going to the store buying groceries and eating at home those 12-15 employees per shift are using gas to get to the restaurant to work, they are using resources to run the electricity, the cookers etc.,

[@rebeccataravonschleinitz]

Thank you. I was made aware of this study some weeks ago. I have listened to others' takes on the subject, and I feel encouraged by your thesis that it IS just the beginning of scratching the surface.

[@helenswanson1403]

I recycle my kitchen scrapes. Add cardboard. Leave. Worms. In winter I use tubs to grow worms using kitchen scraps and paper. In spring I harvest the worm castings. I can use the castings in many ways. Replace some fertilizer.

[@debracorte-real7728]

Pam, you explained this amazingly. I hope people watch your explanation which is simple and to the point and explained so well about what went into this study and how peoples response were jumping to unnecessary conclusions before really hearing it the way you have explained it entirely. We can do a much better job and it is actually very very easy to do that.. I enjoyed every minute of it. and I’m sure they did not read to the end or they did not understand and they did not read how much the studies showed the many benefits of urban gardening, and we will continue these types of gardens which are needed and are more beneficial to our way of living.and health. You are an amazing woman and I thank you so much for breaking this down piece by piece, in ways that we can all understand.

[@Undercoverbooks]

Thank you for this excellent review! And even this brief report gives me ideas of ways to improve my own backyard garden.

[@chucknorrispka]

I think this is a matter of opportunity cost. What would the carbon footprint of those square feet be if it were not a garden. You can't set up a commercial operation on a quarter acre in the city. That property would likely be used as monoculture, like grass. There are no servings being produced from grass.

[@Olga_ime]

Thank you. I appreciate your explanation of this study. Is so refreshing to hear things in simple terms for those of us who are not scientists or educators. I appreciate your time doing this informative video. 🙏

[@annettevanderklippe1653]

One of the best videos you've done - thank you!

[@ksewald91]

Sadly, mainstream media has taken this study and used it to discourage any home gardening from what I saw. WWII, everyone was encouraged to have a victory garden and 2 chickens a family member. Those gardens were a blessing to help feed your family and free up food to send the soldiers.

[@RoseRedHomestead]

Thanks for your views. Jim

[@ArtFlowersBeeze8815]

A rational, common sense approach to reading and interpreting data. Thank-you for you slice by slice video about the pros and cons . Cheers!

[@rode-o5206]

Sad to see you even addressing such foolishness. Not worth anyone’s time to even consider.

[@carolfyfe607]

I agree. Disappointing.

[@kymschoeff2858]

I wasn’t aware of this pseudo controversy but appreciate your presentation of the facts.