This weekend marked the 4th Annual Chicago Green Festival. The
Green Festival is a two-day affair full of eco-friendly innovations
and workshops held at Navy Pier. This is the third year I have
participated in a booth set up by National. I got to talk with
event goers about naturopathic medicine and what it's like to be a
student.
In between manning the booth, I was able to peruse the various
green vendors. Among my favorites was a booth run by the Green
America Organization, which videotaped patrons stating one thing
that they do that is "green." These 15-second blurbs will
eventually end up on YouTube for all to see! The experience got me
thinking about all of the green things I do on a daily basis,
which, while small individually, amount to a pretty big reduction
in my carbon footprint. If everyone could make slight adjustments
to their daily routines, imagine how huge the overall impact on the
environment would be! Check out Netflix No Impact Man, and you'll
totally agree.
Case in point: our garden. Each time I visit our garden, I can't
believe how easy it really is to grow the produce we all spend so
much money on each week. I've been thinking of the benefits of
cultivating our own food and these are my top three:
- In the first place, our crops are pesticide-free, decreasing
our exposure to harmful toxins. Not only would this benefit our
health but it promotes sustainable soil and water for future
gardeners.
- Secondly, money! Seed packets: $30. Herbs and starter
vegetables: $100. Worm castings and fish bone fertilizer: $50.
Fresh produce for the entirety of the summer!
- Thirdly, quality time spent with old-time fellow gardeners,
bringing friends together for a common cause and feeling good about
the food you're eating -priceless!
In other news, this week was the first official week of Student
Clinic. While I can't disclose too much of what happened, I will
say that there was no shortage of things to do and patients to see.
Our Chief Clinician, Dr. Baltazar, was a rock for us all and her
calm confidence in our abilities was a huge help in getting us
through our first week. I am beyond excited for next week's clinic
endeavors!
That's all for now, as there are three botanical prescriptions
and an online quiz to complete before tomorrow!