Published May 21, 2009
Written By Grace Chen
While organic foods are healthier than their pesticide-laden counterparts, organic options are typically far more expensive. To help students become healthier – while saving money – a rising number of community colleges are now offering organic gardening classes.
The Benefits of Organic Gardening
As The Daily Vidette reports, a rising number of consumers are embracing the many benefits of organic foods. Specifically, not only are organic foods grown without harmful chemicals, but these foods also contain up to 40 percent more antioxidants than conventionally grown crops. In addition, organic foods tend to have more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Since conventional farming and gardening methods utilize fertilizers and chemicals to boost the yield of food growth, these vegetables and fruits are robbed of many of their natural healthy compounds. By avoiding these potentially less healthy foods, consumers adhering to an organic lifestyle can experience perks such as:
- Decreased risk of various cancers
- Decreased toxins in the body
- Reduced inflammation
- Decreased signs of body aches / headaches / general pains
- Additional health and wellness benefits
Community College Organic Programs
Although organic foods are certainly healthier than their conventional options, many individuals are frustrated with the higher cost of these products. Typically, organic foods are priced about 10 to 20 percent more than traditionally farmed produce.
To help ameliorate this burden, community colleges are now offering courses to teach students about the effective processes and methods for maturing healthy organic foods. For example, Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), located in Charlotte, North Carolina, provides students with a diverse array of organic-based courses. At CPCC, students can take organic gardening lessons and learn about specific accommodations that should be made for growing plants in the south.
With six different courses, students get their hands dirty by actually working with plants and materials in the school’s outdoor garden! Ultimately, the CPCC classes are intended to help students learn how to use nature as a natural growing tool, as opposed to relying on harmful chemicals for growth support. CPCC courses cover gardening topics such as:
- Natural pest control
- Natural weed control
- Growing summer vegetables
- Growing flowers
- Growing healthy and natural herbs
- Watering effectively
- Season-specific healthy growth techniques
In addition to courses at CPCC, Lane Community College (LCC), located in Eugene, Oregon, also offers alternative organic gardening options. Students can also join the campus’ “Learning Garden Club.” Sponsored by LCC, the “Learning Garden” is an eco-friendly club and garden wherein students learn about the science behind various forms of plant life. As LCC further explains, “The Learning Garden offers students valuable leadership experience through planning and managing hands-on activities. This is a great opportunity to be actively involved in implementing sustainability measures on campus.”
Currently, LCC’s “Learning Garden” offers an acre of organically grown fruit and vegetable plants, as well as additional acres designated to grow other forms of plant life. To offer students healthy meal options, “Learning Garden” volunteers are provided with the harvest of their gardens, and a great deal of the organically grown food is also supplied to the Culinary Arts Department.
As the popularity of organic foods grows, so will the organic gardens sprouting forth at local community colleges!
Resources:
Central Piedmont Community College, available at http://secure.cpcc.edu/webpages/view.asp?edirID=2584
The Daily Vidette, available at http://media.www.dailyvidette.com/media/storage/paper420/news/2008/08/25/News/Some-Americans.Realizing.The.Benefits.Of.Organic.Food-3402424.shtml
Lane Community College, Learning Garden Club, available at http://www.lanecc.edu/sustainability/lgc.html
Read Related Courses in College Articles:
- Mastering Math: A Guide to Passing Your Community College Math Requirements
Learn about how to prepare for your community college's math placement exams, as well as excel in remedial math courses. - Why Do 60% of Community College Students Need Remedial Coursework?
With a large percentage of community college students needing remedial coursework, educators and policymakers are questioning the causes and solutions to this problem. Gather insight into the issue and how students can better prepare for community college coursework. - Graduate Early and Save Money by Testing Out of Community College Classes
Learn about how you can save thousands in tuition costs by testing out of community college classes. - The Benefits of Earning Honors Credit at Your Community College
Learn about the many benefits associated with taking honors courses at your local community college and what you should expect in these rigorous classes. - Community College Curriculum: Drastically Changed by Today's Economy
Learn about how today's economy has impacted community college curriculum, increased occupational programs, and grown specific career-preparation courses. - How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career. - Why You Should Earn Your Teacher Certification in Community College
If you are planning on earning your teaching certificate, consider attending community college as an affordable and cost-effective way to garner your certification. - Obtaining Your Autism Teaching Certificate at Community College
Given the increasing number of diagnosed autistic children, the demand for autistic specialists grows as well. Learn about how you can specialize in autistic education by taking courses at your local community college. - How to Prepare for a Career in Electronic Health Records at Your Community College
Healthcare reforms will demand changes in healthcare facilities, including the usage of electronic health records. Learn how you can get a jump start in this field by pursuing a program at your local community college. - A Rewarding, Recession-Proof Nursing Career Starts at Community College
Nursing remains a highly rewarding career that will remain not only in demand, but recession-proof. Learn about how to begin your nursing career at community college. - Could a Smart Grid Degree Be a Smart Choice for Your Career?
The "smart grid" presents a myriad of opportunities for green collar jobs. Learn about the job prospects in the industry and how your local community college can provide you with the training to capitalize on this growing industry. - Sustainable Energy Programs Translate into Sustainable Careers for Community College Students
With the change in energy production trends, sustainable energy technology careers are in high demand, and you can start your training for a highly-demanded career right at your local community college. - Wind Energy Careers Blow Away Recession Woes
If you are looking for a recession-proof career with excellent job prospects, consider enrolling in a wind energy program at your local community college. - Peering into a Nano-Technology Career at Community College
Learn about the lucrative career opportunities in nano-technology and how you can begin your training right at community college. - Polish Your Job Candidacy with an Ethics Business Course
Learn about business ethics courses offered at community colleges and how the curriculum can enhance your job candidacy and resume. - Want to Lose Weight? How Your Community College Can Help
If you are looking to shed extra weight, your best source of support may be your community college. Learn about dieting programs, support groups, and even classes to help you get healthy. - How Community College Classes Can Improve Your Marriage
Community college workshops and credit courses are improving marriages across the country. Learn about how you can take advantage of these great resources at your local community college. - Obtain Your Lead-Safe Certification at Community College
Community colleges are leading the way in offering lead-safe certification, which will be required by law starting in April 2010. Learn about the courses and how you can obtain your certificaiton at your local community college. - Alternative Automobiles: New Training Programs at Community College
Learn about the demand for technicians of alternative fuel automobiles and its future career potential. Start your career as an alternative fuel vehicle technician at your local community college. - Turn Your Baking Skills into a Delicious Career with Community College Programs
If you have a passion for baking, consider enrolling in a community college baking and pastry arts program. Learn about the growing field, salary potential, and the delicious courses offered right at your local community college. - Career Socialites Rejoice in Event Planning Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about how you can turn your passion for parties into a career through event planning courses at your local community college. - Culinary Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about highly acclaimed culinary programs at community colleges. - Calling All Entrepreneurs! How Community Colleges Can Help You Start Your Business
Learn about the courses and resources available at your community college that can help you start the business of your dreams. - Happier Families Start at Community College Parenting Courses
Your local community college is an excellent resource for free parenting classes. Take advantage of the learning opportunities and give your baby the best start in life. - Cosmetology Programs in Community Colleges
Learn about cosmetology programs in community colleges. - Should You Become a Paralegal in a Recession?
Learn about the opportunities you have to become a paralegal through community college courses, and why this is a recession-proof profession. - How to Become an Emergency Technician Quickly and Affordably
Learn about community college programs that can help you become certified as an emergency technician affordably and expeditiously. - Green Community College Programs Grow Red Hot
Learn about "green" educational opportunities in high-demand environmental fields that can start right at your local community college. - Renewable Energy Creates Opportunities for Community College Students
Learn how community colleges are evolving to provide opportunities in the growing fields of renewable energy. - Earn Your Scuba Diving Certification at Your Local Community College
Learn about how students and community members can earn their scuba certification through quality community college courses. - Fine Tune Your Vocals through Community College Singing Classes
Those with the gift of song can take their singing to the next level with classes at community college. Learn about the courses offered at community college that can help prepare you for a singing career. - From AM to FM: How Community College Can Prepare You for a Radio Career
Take advantage of career opportunities in the field of radio broadcasting by starting your training at your local community college. - How to Start Your Aquarium Science Career at Community College
If you are interested in the mysteries of the deep or marine life, consider pursuing an aquarium science career. Through innovative programs, community college students can embark upon an educational pathway in marine and aquarium based sciences. - Whistling All Animal Lovers! Pursuing an Animal Service Career at Community College
Learn about how courses and training at your local community college can open the doors to a fulfilling animal care and service career. - Impress the Best with Business Etiquette
Take advantage of your local community college's business etiquette courses, which can help you stand out from the candidate crowd upon graduation. - Could a Career in Welding Technology Solidify Your Financial Future?
Whether you have technical or creative skills, a career in welding technology can be rewarding and lucrative. Learn how you can start a welding career right at your local community college. - Race to Your Community Colleges New Auto Program
Take advantage of your local community college's auto program, which can prepare you for a lucrative career in the industry. In addition, you may have the potential to earn while you learn! - How to Dance Towards a College Degree
Learn about how you can pursue a rewarding dance career by starting at your local community college. Whether you are a dancer or aspire to be a choreographer, your community college may be a fantastic starting point. - A Dazzling Degree: How to Pursue Jewelry Design at Your Local Community College
Learn about the dazzling jewelry programs and certificates that are avaialble at your local community college campus. - Fashion Careers Start at Community College Runways
Learn about how you can embark upon a fashion career starting with the fashion design, merchandising and buying courses available at local community colleges. - Blast Off for Space Studies in Community College!
Learn about the space studies programs offered through community colleges that can prepare you for an engaging career with NASA or private space companies. - Sail Your Way Through Community College
Consider a career on the high seas and learn from sailing and seamanship programs available at your local community college. - How to Earn a College Degree Drinking Wine
If you enjoy wine, learn more about how you can earn a college degree in winemaking and wine tasting at your local community college. - Earn Your Film Degree At Community College
Learn about how you can pursue a degree and career in the entertainment industry by starting at your local community college. - Community College Air Force Programs
Learn more about the opportunities available through the Community College Air Force Program, and how the degrees may benefit your future service career. - Studio Art Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about the excellent traditional and modern art programs available at your local community college campus. - More than Mozart: Community College Music Programs
Learn about the new and dynamic music programs available at community colleges that explore more than just music theory. - Theater Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn more about the powerful acting and theater programs available at your local community college. - Foreign Language Courses & Careers
Learn about the foreign language courses and career opportunities offered by community colleges. - Theology Programs in Community College: Pursuing Studies in Religion
Learn how you can pursue your career in religion and service through theology programs available through your local community college. - Why Community Colleges are Cutting Friday Classes
Learn about how budgetary constraints are prompting community colleges to only offer four-day school weeks.
All Categories:
- About College (43 articles)
- Affording College (26 articles)
- Attending College (67 articles)
Featured Partners:
