Fleet Farming: CCB's Commitment to 1% for the Planet

In the race to grow our businesses and make profits, how often do we spare a thought about the environment? Food, water and energy are indispensable for our survival, but in the process of obtaining the same, we frequently create havoc in the very eco-system that sustains us.

To address the issue of our deteriorating planet, we’ve joined hands with IDEAS For Us, a United Nations accredited non-profit organization that promotes sustainability and environmental awareness through community action. Along with IDEAS For Us, and through our commitment to 1% for the Planet, we hope to do our bit to make this world a better place to live in; not just for ourselves, but also for generations to come.

Food is a fundamental requirement for subsistence; however, it is becoming less nutritious by the day. Fertilizers pollute the water supply; pesticides and antibiotics have an adverse effect on human health; and, degraded soils retain carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere.

IDEAS For Us, in partnership with East End Market, is working to resolve these issues through a localized, small-scale farming system. Through Fleet Farming, a food initiative in Orlando, Florida, IDEAS For Us volunteers tend organic vegetable gardens in private yards. The produce is then collected and delivered to local farmers markets and restaurants via bicycles. The land is rented by East End landowners, who sign a one-year contract and receive a portion of the vegetables as they are harvested.

By estimates, 33% of global climate change is caused by our energy-dependent food delivery system. 70% of carbon emissions from farm to plate are created by the millions of consumers driving to their local grocery stores. This carbon footprint can be greatly reduced through pedal-power.

As most lawns already get watered by irrigation, fleet farming also helps to reduce water consumption. Additionally, with major droughts affecting food supply across the country, having food grown locally provides a degree of food security for the community. In the near future, East End also plans to introduce organic- and pesticide-free methods for Fleet Farming.

Fleet Farming began with a pilot project that ended in June 2014, the goal being to start small and scale up over time. It has been granted $5,000 by the Healthy Central Florida Foundation to continue its work, and the program is now scheduled to expand to 15 homes with a combined 2,500 square feet of growing space.

Although there are no laws declaring this project illegal, the Central Florida Good Food Policy Group is working to specifically bring it within the legal framework. And what’s more, by narrowing the focus to a particular food product like salads, this farming system also has the potential to bring in revenue.

The list of vegetables that can be grown in one’s backyard is finite; however, once scaled up, alternative urban farming solutions like Fleet Farming have the potential to make a positive impact on the environment. It is a smart and eco-friendly way of putting to use the acres and acres of land that lawns currently occupy.

Fund&Grow is proud to help support the initiatives of Fleet Farming. To learn more or get involved, check out the Fleet Farming website.