Crisis Food

Years ago, before computers were an everyday affair, I told my boss we had to get one. The board chairman visited my office and instructed me to get the idea out of my head; no one could understand a computer, nor could anyone afford one. 

It is the same right now. Thomas Bennett's insightful views clash with the perceived indifference of the community towards the impending global crisis. He has proposed a rather radical idea, but one that is necessary given the current state of our planet. As we know, our world faces many environmental challenges that profoundly impact food availability. Therefore, we must consider all options, no matter how extreme they seem, to ensure we can sustain ourselves and future generations.

Eleanor Turner, the almshouse's passionate and empathetic community leader, suggested the structure that was once a glass-enclosed greenhouse at the bottom of the garden should be used to produce edible material. While it is a large receptacle, filling it with composted material will take a long time. It will nevertheless grow edible matter while still being used for garden throwaways. 

The compost in the two receptacles higher up in the garden can cover the fresh material with a thin layer of a growing substrate. The whole can then be covered with a layer of cardboard or newspaper recovered from the bins around the buildings. 

The cardboard will inhibit the weeds that may grow and will eventually decay into compost. Seeds within rotten tomatoes placed in holes made in the cardboard will germinate, producing edible fruit. Many vegetables might flourish within this garbage yard. Things that may grow well are pumpkin, squash, radish, broad beans and kale. 

Depending on the urgency, residents may consume the produce; otherwise, it can remain and rot with all else. In South Africa, it is a common practice among rural Africans to consume pumpkin vine tips. Similarly, in several regions of Asia and Africa, young pumpkin leaves and tendrils from pumpkin vines are frequently consumed and enjoyed as a unique and delightful food item. On the other hand, dandelion leaves are also highly valued as a delicacy in various parts of the world. Fresh dandelion leaves and flowers are a delicacy for lunch. Dandelion can stimulate appetite, relieve stomach problems, aid digestion, and improve liver and gallbladder function. Our community is quick to eradicate the plant for some reason. All dandelion seeds provided on lawns should be collected and distributed within the compost structure. Stinging nettle has many health benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can help prevent cardiovascular disease.

The project will undoubtedly attract criticism and much advice, but the objective is minimal labour and self-maintenance.