Millennials are making waves by bringing back a trend from America’s past…but it’s not what you think.
The National Post is reporting that Millennials are avid gardeners (or “plant-parents” as some young people call it). According to the National Gardening Association, houseplant sales increased in the U.S. by 50% within the last three years (totaling $1.7 billion). In Canada, overall plant sales increased by 8% from 2013-2018 (totaling $1.5 billion). Research done by the Telegraph has found that Millennials are actually buying more plants than their parents.
Millennials have made a long time American way of life a new trend, but they are also reaping tremendous rewards for themselves and our planet. Some garden for the environment which helps play a part in reducing the human carbon footprint and makes others more aware of their food choices. Gardening can also help save the ever endangered bees, by planting flowers and crops that are bee friendly.
Gardening also helps lessen the use of fossil fuels and pollution. It is estimated that food raised by commercial farms will travel an average distance of 1,500 miles before the food is consumed. By growing your own food, you are preventing the burning of fossil fuels to transport the produce to your table. Additionally, growing your own garden will lessen the use of plastic packaging that is required to transport and store the food in your local grocery store.
Lastly, gardening can provide a huge benefit to your physical and financial health. There have been scientific studies that show that gardening can help reduce anxiety. Two Dutch scientists have reported that gardening can help lower your body’s cortisol (a type of stress hormone) levels. Gardening is also a great way to save money on produce and fruit. With inflation, produce is becoming more and more expensive. The cost of gardening and growing your own food is far less costly than the money you would use in the grocery store.
This trend is a positive one that is mutually beneficial for our planet and ourselves. Rarely does a win-win situation occur in real-life.
If you would like to know more about the gardening industry and how Oster and Associates can help your business, schedule a free consultation today.