The Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD), in partnership with local seamstress Lisa Smith, the Kirkland Town Library and Grow Amsterdam NY, has been awarded grant monies from the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) to host a series of educational community Homesteader Workshops.
Through funding provided by the Environmental Protection Fund as administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), NYSP2I has selected 12 projects across NYS focusing on community-based pollution prevention strategies.
The term “homesteading” is defined as a lifestyle of self-sufficiency, including subsistence agriculture, home preservation of food and small craft-like trades such as textile working and making common household items within the home. The epitome of homesteading is sustainability and reducing waste as a way of life.
MVEDD would like to announce its third and final homesteading workshop, called “Feed the House,” which will take place on Aug. 6 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Kirkland Town Library. Register by visiting www.mvedd.org.
This free workshop will include a presentation on proper storage of foods to extend shelf life, how to re-grow certain produce in your home from food scraps, basic gardening techniques, seed saving and a discussion on microgreens. We will also have a demonstration on how to make your own reusable food wraps. Workshop attendees will receive seeds, a microgreen grow kit and other giveaway items.
With the price of groceries increasing 5% from 2022, and nearly 40% of the food supply ending up in U.S. landfills, it is more important than ever to make sure purchased food stays fresh longer at home.
“For many people, throwing food away because it has spoiled causes a lot of guilt. Even with a composting system, food should be eaten, not wasted,” said Samantha Francisco, clean energy specialist for MVEDD. “This workshop will provide helpful tips on how to extend the life of foods at home, and how to grow your own food in your kitchen and backyards. Making just a few simple changes can help bring down the grocery bill and reduce waste.”
Check out www.mvedd.org for announcements and registration links (when available) regarding these events.
