Food / Waste

GROW FOOD / REDUCE WASTE

A revolution is needed in the way we grow food and farm. Today farming is a major driver of climate change, but with different land management and cultural practices, agriculture can be one of our most promising climate solutions. Healthy soils draw carbon down from the atmosphere while helping us grow more abundant and nutrient-dense food. We currently throw away 40% of the food grown in our country. By reducing that waste and composting what’s left, we can increase soil health and reduce the amount of energy we use to ship trash off-island. Look below for some great ideas for how you can support this food and farming revolution.

Plant A Garden Grow More Food

It can be in containers on your back porch, sheet mulched over your lawn, or a big raised bed garden.

However you can, try and grow some of your food at home.

If space is tight, join a local community garden.

Support Local Food Producers

Buy direct from local farmers and other producers at their farm stands or at the farmer’s market.

Join a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

Let the grocery store owners and restaurants you frequent know that
you would like them to source food grown as close to home as possible.

Martha’s Vineyard Farm Map
West Tisbury Farmer’s Market

SUPPORT LOCAL FISHERIES

Buy from the island’s small-boat, owner-operated, fishing fleet and their sustainably-harvested catch.

Ask your favorite fishmonger what they have that has been locally caught.

Learn about what seafood is in season in our surrounding waters.

Learn more about why supporting sustainable seafood matters.

REDUCE HOME FOOD WASTE

There are lots of great tips to reduce the amount of food you waste at home–

Shop with a shopping list
“Shop your Fridge” – know what you have and use it up first before buying more
Use your freezer to preserve food that would otherwise spoil

COMPOST

Make the most of the food scraps you do produce–

You can compost at home, bring the food scraps to your local transfer station or IGI or Morning Glory Farm.

They will be turned into compost for local farms and gardens to produce healthy food and strengthen soil health.

AVOID TILLING

Working your farm fields, garden or yard–

Tilling breaks up the web of life in the soil and releases carbon into the atmosphere.

Over time, it degrades the productivity and health of your soil.

Look into no-till methods for farming and gardening. IGI and Slip Away Farm have both begun this practice.

Use cardboard or sheet mulching to reduce your lawn footprint, prepare garden beds for planting or establish new planting areas.

PLANT PERENNIAL FOOD PRODUCING PLANTS

Include berry bushes & fruit/nut trees, and perennial vegetables such as asparagus in your garden area.

This makes it easier to support soil life, reduces the amount of work you need to do in your garden, and sets up future generations for local food security.