The conversation we have on tap for you today was a fun one to record. It features Tim Armstrong. Tim is the founder of Eat Your Yard Jax, and as the name suggests he’s on a mission to introduce the world to edible landscapes and the importance of local food. But don’t let the friendly nature of the conversation fool you!  The topic is a critical one when it comes to sustainability. Agriculture accounts for 11% of carbon emissions in the US. But the importance of eating local when it comes to emissions reduction is not as straightforward as you might think. True, transportation is a big part of the carbon footprint when food travels by air. Berries and other foods that spoil quickly are often shipped this way. However, most of our food travels by boat or rail, and then transport is a relatively small portion of its total emissions. The big driver? Agricultural practices. So what does that even mean? Simply put, pesticides and fertilizers are a really big source of emissions. That is where the real benefits of eating local kick in. If you’re growing food in your yard, you can use more sustainable practices. You’ll likely reduce food waste, and if you transform part of your yard into an edible landscape, you are watering your lawn less.  I hope you enjoy this conversation with Tim!

RESOURCES
IFAS North Florida Gardening Guide
Article on Impact of Local Food on Carbon Emissions
US Carbon Emissions by Sector
https://squarefootgardening.org/

CONNECT
https://eatyouryardjax.org/
email: [email protected]
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Jacksonville Climate Coalition