by JayElKal
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Gardening is very much aligned with the adversarial nature of the Satanic Temple as it has been a form of protest and resistance against oppressive systems throughout history. For example, the term Guerilla Gardening (where gardens are planted in public or neglected spaces without formally asking for permission) was coined in the 1970’s when an abandoned New York City parking lot was transformed into a thriving community garden. This tactic has been used to challenge land rights and to push back against the misuse of public land by reclaiming it from the mismanagement of public institutions.
Since the 1980s, legal and regulatory changes have allowed patents on seeds, plant varieties, and breeding methods which has prevented farmers from saving, sharing, or replanting seeds. Thus, they are forced to purchase new seeds annually, locking farmers into corporate supply chains due to threats of fines or imprisonment. Today, four companies control over 50% of the global proprietary seed market. This increased reliance on genetically engineered seeds has limited biodiversity, decreased plant resilience, and increased the need for harmful, cancer causing chemicals and pesticides. We have seen the effects of corporate agriculture prioritizing profit over the health and well-being of employees and consumers as recently exemplified by the Cyclospora infections resulting from Taylor Fresh iceberg lettuce and the FDA class 1 recall of frozen berries due to E. coli contamination.
As citizens growing our own food, we assert our autonomy by reducing our dependence on centralized, corporate controlled food systems and becoming more self-reliant. Resistance gardening can help to combat “food deserts” (regions where people have limited access to healthy and affordable foods) and community gardens run by volunteers have been used to provide fresh produce to local food pantries. By taking an active role in growing our own sustenance and reclaiming our food sovereignty, we can confront social injustices by challenging the notion that a healthy diet is only for the privileged and wealthy elite.
But one does not need to own property in order to garden. Gardening can occur indoors on a windowsill or on a tabletop with grow lamps. If space is limited, vertical gardens or hydroponic growing systems may be good options to consider. Indoor gardening can improve air quality and can be cultivated year-round regardless of climate. If you do have access to outdoor gardening, it can help to build community by fostering collaboration, resilience, and empowerment through peaceful defiance. Gardens can also bridge social divides, promote awareness of environmental issues, and provide a platform for collective action.
The health benefits of eating fresh, locally grown produce may come at no surprise. Spending time working in a garden also brings us closer to nature, can increase mindfulness, fosters our connection to all living things, and has been known to reduce stress and boost creativity.
To me, gardening is a way to actively practice the tenants of the Satanic Temple.
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