Sowing seeds. Scripture is filled with examples about the cycle of gardening,from planting, tending to the garden and then reaping the harvest. As weconsider this practical principle let’s open our church properties through acommunity gardening initiative. When we get our hands dirty we can makewonderful, long lasting connections with our communities. Won’t you join us?

We welcome you to read and use this practical guide as a tool to enhance themission of the church through environmental stewardship. The world beganwith a garden and though its perfect beauty and bountiful harvest wasdiminished by sin it will end again with the garden restored to its former glory. In the meanwhile, we can still see evidence of God’s creation reflected in themiraculous growth of gardens that can provide food from the earth. It is a vividspiritual reminder of God’s provision in our lives. May we in times like theseuse this means not only to provide food to the community but increase ourinfluence and presence in the community of God’s care over His creationespecially the communities in which He has placed us to be the agent ofchange. May the garden lead them to the gospel of Jesus Christ who alone canchange their lives forever.

Steve Matthews, Executive Director, ADRA Canada

Daniel Saugh, Canadian Programs Manager, ADRA Canada

Will you join us?

What is a community garden?Benefits of a community garden Health benefits of a community gardenHow to start a community garden Installing and maintaining a gardenGarden sampler Case study and success story: Kingston SDA Church What is an eco-based approach to community gardens?Environmental stewardship: A wholistic approachConclusionCredits and references Annotated bibliography

Appendix 1: Community garden managementAppendix 2: Sample garden rosterAppendix 3: Sample garden assignment plotAppendix 4: Official statements of the Seventh-day Adventist

Appendix 5: Sample plant-based garden vegetable recipes

Table of Contents

34457891111111212

14151617

19Church on the Environment

and nutritional information

2

Eco-based forumThis includes engaging in a meaningful way with a support group having time to dialogue, sharebest practices, exchange ideas through round table, food and/or cookingdemonstration/education (from harvested items from the garden), networking opportunities, andcollaboration with other agencies or organizations (i.e. soup kitchen, local food bank/pantry, etc.).

In this brief guide we explore what it means to engage with the land through environmentalstewardship and advocacy for green initiatives. The purpose is to use a multi-faceted andsustainable approach to eco-based gardening, cultivation, harvesting, food nutrition/education,preparation and promoting a cleaner, greener and eco-friendly environment.

What is a Community Garden?

Introduction

The program consists of a few important components:

Eco-based community gardeningThis includes creating healthy green spaces and creating gardens bymembers of the community to serve members in the community.

Eco-based livingIncludes promoting a plant-based diet, green living and environmentallyhealthy lifestyle - a wholistic approach to life and caring for the environment.

3

Community members grow their own produce,thereby reducing grocery bills.

Engage in exercise and enjoy nature whiletending the garden, and they provide a time forsocializing.

Gardens also help to increase fruit andvegetable consumption by increasing theavailability of these items and improve skills infood preparation if combined with nutritioneducation.

Residents will benefit from having increasedaccess to land for food production, resulting inan innovative way to create food security.

Community gardens do not require large areasof land and can be as simple as a few raisedbeds in a park or residential area.

Benefits ofCommunityGardens

Gardening provides regular physical exercise to aidin the prevention of heart disease, obesity, type 2diabetes and high blood pressure. One of theprimary steps in diabetes management is gettingenough physical activity. Gardeners can easilyachieve the recommended 150 minutes per weekof exercise. It also provides moderate strengthtraining, which is a step in the prevention ofosteoporosis.

Carrying a gallon sprinkling can full of water in eachhand is like lifting 8 pound dumbbells. Pushing awheelbarrow is a good bicep workout. Additionalactivities such as pulling weeds, carrying soil andcompost and digging holes are other gardeningactivities that will also give you a workout (Main,2011). As with any physical activity it's best to learnproper techniques so you don't hurt yourself.Check with your doctor if you have specificconcerns.

Gardening connects you with nature and therhythm of life. Studies have revealed just viewing agarden or nature has healthy psychologicalbenefits. One study found that older adults thatregularly garden have higher levels of overall lifesatisfaction (Sommerfeld, 2010).

Gardening can be especially beneficial for peoplewith special needs or those recovering from illness.Gardening promotes an increased range ofmotion, develops eye-hand coordination, improvesmotor skills and increases self esteem (Mason,2005). Over the past few years special tools andgarden designs to make gardens more accessiblehave become readily available.

Health Benefits

4

Establish Partnerships

It will be important to establish partnerships withpeople or organizations that can help bring together theresources needed to successfully start the garden.

The first step is to ensure people know about the planto have a community garden and gauge the level ofinterest, support, and commitment from potentialgardeners and other stakeholders in the community.

How to Start aCommunity Garden

Form a Garden Committee

Once the community is engaged, form a gardencommittee of volunteers to establish and manage thegarden. This committee can be made of interestedpeople who indicate an interest or have experience indeveloping gardens, agricultural practices, planting,etc., and have time to commit to it. Having gardeners onthe committee will help make your garden initiativeappropriate and beneficial for end-users.

1111

ADRA Canada is the humanitarian armand agency of the Seventh-day AdventistChurch in Canada (SDACC). We supportan eco-based approach to community

gardens and provide funding andtechnical support.

Horticulturalorganizations - you

can find them in yourlocal

regions/provinces.

Local farms/farmerswho can be consultedwith or provide expertor technical advice or

potential gardeneducation andpartnership.

Funding agencies ororganizations who

support such greeninitiatives from seed

grants or sponsorship.

Senior care / LTCresidences,

organizations/clubs(soup kitchens, food

banks) who canparticipate, benefit or

share resources.

Churches, clubs, or NGOorganizations who believe

in community-baseddevelopment work and

interaction with membersof the community.

2222

3333

Consider partnering with the following types of organizations in your community

good conditions for growing plants, gardener comfort, ease of access, proximity to resources, and garden visibility from pathways and streets.

There are many factors to keep in mind whenselecting a site such as:

It is important to make sure the garden site isappropriate and accessible for the gardenparticipants

4444 Select a Site

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Does it get at least six hours of direct sunlightper day during the spring, summer and fall? Is there access to water? Does it have enough space for the number ofinterested gardeners and to allow for growth? Is the ground relatively flat? Is the site close to the people who plan to useit? Gardeners should be able to walk or drive ashort distance to the garden. Is the site visible from the street or pedestrianareas? A visible site will be safer and attractmore neighbourhood support. Can a truck gain access to the lot? Is the soil safe for gardening? Test the soil forcontaminants. If the site is contaminated, it willrequire raised beds and fresh soil. What is the site being used for presently? Is agarden compatible with the other current uses? Is it known who owns the lot? Permission willneed to be secured from the landowner.Does the landowner have insurance for acommunity garden? Will the site likely still be available in years tocome? It is good to have a space where thegarden can grow for multiple years. Does the site have any existing wind breaks toprotect plants? Does the site need to be cleared before it canbecome a garden?

Consider the following critical questionswhen selecting a site for the garden:

There are several different ways communitygarden groups can get the resources they need.Some operate without external funding anddepend on membership fees alone, while othersactively pursue corporate sponsorship orgovernment funding. External funding can behelpful, but is not always required depending onthe scale of the garden’s activities. It may besupported by any of the following or acombination of:

Look for Funding & Sponsorships 5555

Signage with a name of the garden or groupParameters or fenced in boundariesA garden pathwayA garden bench or garden circlePhysical accessibilityEnvironmentally friendly design including acomposting area and access to water

Plan and Design the Garden

Developing a garden plan and site design is animportant step to complete before planting thegarden. Community gardens should be developedas lasting places for a community to gather andgrow nutritious food together. This may include:

gardeners, committees, and other key stakeholders such as the landownerand funding groups.

Determine Garden Guidelines

Garden guidelines should be established throughconsultation with:

Garden guidelines are an excellent way to ensurethat everyone understands how the garden willoperate and what is expected of participants.

6666

Start your Community Garden!

You are now ready to start your community garden!The following sections provide further information tohelp you run and maintain the community garden.

7777 8888Post the day-to-day parts of the guidelinesin a visible place at the garden (e.g. on thegarden shed or at the front gate) andmake sure they are easy to read and willwithstand weather. Consider getting eachnew participant to sign-off on theguidelines when they register.

QuickTip

The sponsoring organization, club, church,conference, ACS, Ministries of Compassion, etc.,A collective of the garden group members,NGO (i.e. ADRA Canada, coalitions, agencies, etc.)NFP organizations,Government-sponsored programs, grants, etc.

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Clear any debris and unwanted materialsEnsure the soil is tested to determine the soil quality and suitabilityIf the soil is not the best you may decide to go with raise garden bedsIf the soil is suitable, you will need to use a rototiller to break up thefallow ground in preparation

Stage 1: Prepare the site

Now that the group has determined who the garden isfor, what garden model will be applied, and which siteto use, it is time to start installing the garden. Gardeninstallation will happen in the late spring, once the soilhas thawed, the air has warmed, and the threat of frosthas passed. It is a good idea to wait until after the first

Installing & Maintaining the Garden

Composting areasFences and/or boundariesGarden shed for storage of equipmentGarden pathwayRest area/benchesNB: You can be creative and not all these items are applicable

Stage 2: Build and install garden infrastructure

Stage 3: Plant the garden When deciding what to plant in the garden, consider what the community may needsuch as: 1) types of vegetables and what they like or do not have readily to eat, 2)growing conditions, 3) which crops are easiest to grow, and 4) which plants offer thehighest nutritional value. Work with local gardeners and farmers to select the cropsthat will grow well in the region and select plants that are likely to succeed.

Stage 4: Garden maintenance

Successful community gardens require considerable support of the garden team.Having a garden coordinator and a to do list is helpful. This means consideringcommunal and individual plot maintenance throughout the season. Collectively,gardeners and volunteers will be expected to work together to maintain sharedspaces including communal plots, composting bins, garden sheds, and greenhouses.

first week through the Victoria weekend of May to beginplanting outdoors in most parts of Canada. There arefour key stages to constructing the garden, which canoccur at the same time or separately depending ontime and resources available. It is important to beorganized and to work collaboratively with membersduring these stages.

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Garden Sampler

Basil is easy to grow and canbe harvested throughout thegrowing season.

Lettuce can grow in full sun topartial shade. It will grow best inspring and fall. Loose-leaf lettucevarieties grow in about three weeks.

Peas grow in about 50 to 60 days inmid-spring. Provide a medium-height trellis for the peas to climb.

Radishes are fast-growing and areready for harvest in about 30 days.

Spinach grows in full sun topartial shade and can beplanted in early spring.

Strawberries can beplanted in small places andare very low maintenance.

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According to Ayla Fenton, Coordinator of the KingstonCommunity Gardens Network, the COVID-19 pandemichas caused demand for gardening space to exceedcurrent capacity.

Fortunately, the Kingston Seventh-day Adventist Church,within the Ontario Conference of Seventh-day Adventists,has a large lawn located adjacent to its sanctuary. Although a portion is used in the summer by the YMCAfor its summer youth programs, they only last severalhours a day, and not every day of the week. Once a year in June, the church also looks forward to itsannual Family Fun Day, but while these activitiesemployed the green space, it remained somewhatunderutilized.

Then with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, F. EdgarNunes, pastor of the Kingston Seventh-day AdventistChurch, was asking himself, “What more can my churchdo to help those in need? We are handing out as manyfood parcels as our resources allow. But these resourcesare limited. What more can we do?”  As he looked out at the broad expanse of green, athought began to take shape. “We can help ourneighbours help themselves. We can help ourneighbours and the Kingston community by making ourlarge, unused lawn available as a community garden.”

Recent national studies reveal that food insecurity isgrowing amidst the pandemic. COVID-19 continues toprovide challenges for everyday Ontarians dealing withjob losses and financial struggles leading to deepeningfood insecurity. Key findings indicate a growing foodcrisis within a lingering health crisis. Kingston has notbeen exempted, and local trends point to increasedhunger among Kingston students, seniors, and families. Amidst the persisting pandemic emergency, PastorNunes was thinking, “how can this section of our lawnspace be used this year to meet this urgent need?”

In early spring, calls went out to the local MP’s office andvarious organizations with inquiries regarding municipalpolicies, community gardening best practices, funding,human resources, and more.

Case Study: Kingston Community GardensFeeding a Hungry World: Kingston Community Gardens

“Ayla Fenton,” Pastor Nunes reveals, “was very helpful. Sheshared resources and encouragement, as did the residentswhen we called to gauge their interest. I was amazed tosee the community garden venture grow from an initialeight subscriptions to thirteen by May 12, 2020.”

With the Kingston church board’s approval, the onlyremaining obstacle was funding. “Our church does nothave any funding for this type of community outreach,”Pastor Nunes explained. “Interacting with our neighbours,helping them during this crisis, will open doors, to allow usto love our neighbours as Jesus would have us do,regardless of their response. Following Christ’s methodalone will foster good relationships, create opportunities tominister to their needs, help us gain their confidence, andbuild trust.”

After due consideration and careful research, the agreed-upon method to ensure a rich harvest was to build raisedgardens. Each raised bed would cost about $300.00 perunit for wooden frames and topsoil. Once funding becameavailable and the order placed, local carpenters confirmedthat the units could be constructed and delivered withinten days. With this information and realizing that thegardens could be ready for planting by mid-June andharvested throughout the summer and into the fall, thechurch reached out to ADRA.

It is always a blessing to receive these requests, to see localchurches and groups actively seeking to be the hands andfeet of Christ. ADRA considered the request and saw Godin it as we, too, were looking to develop our eco-basedproject emphasis. And just at that time, God provided awilling church to be the first partner in our very “backyard”so to speak.

In partnership with members from the community,Kingston Church laboured throughout the summer to growand harvest several hundred pounds of food to share witha local food bank, community kitchen, and local families inneed. Throughout the fall harvest, bountiful amounts oftomatoes, green cabbages, eggplant, potatoes, garlic,onions, squash, and pumpkin all found their way to needytables.

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This year the Kingston Church plans to improve onoutcomes from last season by building more beds andfollowing up the season with plant-based cooking andnutritional education /demonstration classes. Also, plansare in the works for an eco-based forum where peoplecan share ideas and promote the unique Adventisthealth message.

We are so blessed to have so many excellentpublications, plant-based cookbooks, and healthful livingguidebooks. Engaging the public in this manner is agreat way to stay connected and transform ourcommunities. ADRA Canada and the Canadian Programis committed to alleviating hunger through an eco-basedemphasis that promotes individual wellness and caresfor the environment. This effort is educational andsustainable, combining community gardens,harvesting/agricultural plant-based principles, nutritionallearning, environmental stewardship, and an eco-forumthat can be an ongoing endeavour for each church,should they choose to adopt this focus.

Given the current limitation to gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches have property nestled in theircommunities. Our houses of worship can remain connectedto the community and stay relevant to respond to needs inthis trying time. Kingston Church demonstrates this eco-based approach, and ADRA’s Canadian Program would liketo recommend it from coast to coast to coast.

One participating member of the Kingston community whoadopted a garden bed remarked that he lived in theneighbourhood for over 25 years and “had never steppedfoot on the church property or came to the church.” Thisexperience, unfortunately, is all too common in our localchurch communities. But when the community gardensurvey went out to gauge community interest, he indicated adesire to be a part of it, adopted a garden bed and whenasked about his experience, he responded and said, “thishas put a new face to the church!”

May we put a “new face” to all our churches that willultimately lead individuals from health to Him whom theycan come to know and see, one day, face to face.

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Notes: Article originally submitted to the Canadian Adventist Messenger

Eco-based is really a way of living and in community withthe environment and appreciating nature. An eco-friendly approach means gardening practices are thosethat do not cause harm to the environment. The manybenefits to eco-friendly gardening practices are:

It has been often said that we are a product of ourenvironment. As a faith-based organization, ADRACanada seeks to align its work with the mission andphilosophy of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Webelieve we have a God-given responsibility to care for theenvironment that has been entrusted to us. This issomething not to be taken lightly as we believe Godcreated this work and asked us to be faithful stewards ofthe earth and environment.

What is our Biblical view of environmental stewardship? According to Hayes & Hayes,

It is the intention of this brief manual not to be exhaustive but to be asuccinct practical guide to provide context and serve as a jumpstart toolto assist in the potential start and maintenance of a community gardenwith an eco-based approach. We hope that the content will be of gooduse and will equip you to serve your community as you serve God.

Eco-based Approach to Community Gardens

Environmental Stewardship: A Wholistic Approach

Conclusion

Improved water qualityImproved wildlife habitatCreating a safer environment for all tolive and play in including childrenCreating a green space that will promotesustainable practices will continue to bein harmony with respecting nature

“The Bible clearly teaches that God is the designer and creator ofcomplex life forms as well as the chemical and physicalenvironments required to sustain life (Genesis 1 and 2, John 1:1-3, Colossians 1:16). In stark contrast with pantheistic paganreligions, which revere both inanimate and animate objects innature as sacred, the Bible boldly declares that the Earth andeverything on it is not God but instead belongs to God, who isruler of His creation (Psalm 24:1, 1 Corinthians 10:26). Thebiogeochemical homeostasis of our planet provides evidence ofGod’s intention for the Earth “to be inhabited” (Isaiah 45:18).

Hayes, F. E., and W. K. Hayes. In press. Seventh-day Adventist faith and environmental stewardship. In H.T. Goodwin (ed.), [book title not yet specified]. Andrews University Press, Berrien Springs, Michigan.

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https://garden.lovetoknow.com/eco-friendly-garden

Newfoundland Horticultural Society: http://trenchfoot.2y.net/nfldhort/

Scott, Peter J. (author), Walsh, Michael (illustrator). 2006. Newfoundland Gardening. Portugal Cove- St. Phillips, NL.(www.boulderpublications.ca)

Senciall, Ian R. (author) Hall, Betty (illustrator). 2005. The Avalon Vegetable Garden. Newfoundland HorticulturalSociety (http://nfldhort.dhs.org/page15.htm)

Traverse, Ross. 2006. Ask Ross Traverse About Gardening: Practical Advice for Gardeners in a Cool Climate. Torbay, NL. TraverseGardens (http://www.traversegardens.com/gardening-products/my-gardening-book)

Mulch (http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/EnvironmentalServices/swd/EnvironmentalServicesSwdMulchOrders.aspx)

Neighborhood Development (http://www.arlingtonva.us/portals/topics/TopicsNeighborhoods.aspx)

American Community Garden Association (http://www.communitygarden.org)

National Gardening Association (http://www.garden.org)

The American Horticulture Society (http://www.ahs.org)

Credits and References

Annotated BibliographyBarbolet, H., (2009). Dig it! A practical Toolkit: How local governments can support community gardens, Co-published byMinistry of Community Development and Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

An excellent resource that approaches community gardens from a public policy perspective and how community garden groups can workproductively with their local municipality.

Berman, L. (1997). How Does Our Garden Grow? A Guide to Community Gardening Success, FoodShare Metro Toronto.www.foodshare.net/publications_03.htm, Accessed April 23, 2010.

This document is available by order on the Toronto Foodshare website and contains a multitude of information for those setting up communitygardens. It is a comprehensive manual designed specifically for the Toronto context but is also useful for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Boston Urban Gardeners. (1982). Handbook of Community Gardening, edited by Susan Naimark, New York: CharlesScribner's Sons.

Information and illustrations describing everything from setting up a community garden from a human and land perspective to incorporatingthe garden group. Slightly less suitable for Newfoundland and Labrador as this is based on the U.S. context but still a hearty handbook.

City Farmer. Community Gardens and Urban Farms, http://www.cityfarmer.org/communitygarden7.html, Accessed April23, 2010. 56

Canada's urban food production website. It offers links to an extensive community gardening resource base. It also lists a number of existingcommunity gardening projects and information sources from across Canada and around the world.

Community Action Coalition of South Central Wisconsin, Community Garden Organizer’s Handbook,http://www.cacscw.org/garden_handbook.php, Accessed April 23, 2010.

An excellent resource for documents and forms related to community garden management and coordination.

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13

Management roles – one manager or team of volunteers? A Garden Roster.Conduct — what will be your member’s responsibilities to other gardenersand to the community garden? (behavior, site safety and orderliness,treatment of visitors, etc) How will you make decisions together? How will you resolve disagreement? How will you communicate between the management team andmembership and with the landholder/public/media?

 Management needs

 

Appendix 1: Community Garden Management

What is your envisioned mission of the garden? Is the garden wanted and needed by community members? What would you like your garden to do for your communityand what benefits would you like to see?

Vision

Fundraising Applying for grants

Funding - Continued Operation of the Community Garden

Management of the whole site (management of: labour, waster, pest, soil, water) Water management — regular watering schedule, runoff and drainage, harvesting, cost Types of sustainable materials brought on site and their safe storage Access (opening times, will the garden be locked at night, when can interested peopleenquire about joining, disabled access) Acceptance of a range of people and of children Allocation of plots Management of shared areas Alcohol, smoking and drugs onsite?Pets onsite?

Policies/Agreements

 

How will you manage safety and health in the garden (safe use of tools)? Outline the training process for new garden members related to safety in the garden. What initial training will be needed in the start-up stage of the garden? What will be your process of inducting new gardeners? How will you familiarize new gardeners with accepted practices? (compost production,organic gardening methods such as pest management etc)

Safe Gardening

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Appendix 2: Sample Garden Roster

Name 

Phone 

Email 

Plot # 

15

Appendix 3: Sample Garden Plot Assignment Map

A Row  B C D E

A

B

C

D

E

Plot 1 Plot 2 Plot 3 Plot 4 Plot 5

Plot 6 Plot 7 Plot 8 Plot 9 Plot 10

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Official Statements of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

The world in which we live is a gift of love from the Creator God,from “Him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and thesprings of water” (Revelation 14:7; 11:17, 18). Within thiscreation He placed humans, set intentionally in relationshipwith Himself, other persons, and the surrounding world.Therefore, as Seventh-day Adventists, we hold its preservationand nurture to be intimately related to our service to Him. Godset aside the Seventh-day Sabbath as a memorial andperpetual reminder of His creative act and establishment of theworld. In resting on that day, Seventh-day Adventists reinforcethe special sense of relationship with the Creator and Hiscreation. Sabbath observance underscores the importance ofour integration with the total environment. The human decision to disobey God broke the original order ofcreation, resulting in a disharmony alien to His purposes. Thusour air and waters are polluted, forests and wildlife plundered,and natural resources exploited. Because we recognizehumans as part of God’s creation, our concern for theenvironment extends to personal health and lifestyle. Weadvocate a wholesome manner of living and reject the use ofsubstances such as tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs thatharm the body and consume earth’s resources; and wepromote a simple vegetarian diet. Seventh-day Adventists arecommitted to respectful, cooperative relationships among allpersons, recognizing our common origin and realizing ourhuman dignity as a gift from the Creator. Since human povertyand environmental degradation are interrelated, we pledgeourselves to improve the quality of life for all people. Our goal isa sustainable development of resources while meeting humanneeds. Genuine progress toward caring for our natural environmentrests upon both personal and cooperative effort. We accept thechallenge to work toward restoring God’s overall design. Movedby faith in God, we commit ourselves to promote the healingthat rises at both personal and environmental levels fromintegrated lives dedicated to serve God and humanity. In thiscommitment we confirm our stewardship of God’s creation andbelieve that total restoration will be complete only when Godmakes all things new. This statement was approved and voted by the General Conferenceof Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee at the AnnualCouncil session in Silver Spring, Maryland, October 12, 1992.

Appendix 4: Environmental Stewardship & Lifestyle

Seventh-day Adventists believe that humankind was created inthe image of God, thus representing God as His stewards, torule the natural environment in a faithful and fruitful way.Unfortunately, corruption and exploitation have been broughtinto the management of the human domain of responsibility.Increasingly men and women have been involved in amegalomaniacal destruction of the earth’s resources, resultingin widespread suffering, environmental disarray, and the threatof climate change. While scientific research needs to continue,it is clear from the accumulated evidence that the increasingemission of destructive gasses, the depletion of the protectivemantel of ozone, the massive destruction of the Americanforests, and the so-called greenhouse effect, are all threateningthe earth’s eco-system. These problems are largely due to human selfishness and theegocentric pursuit of getting more and more through everincreasing production, unlimited consumption and depletion ofnon-renewable resources. The ecological crisis is rooted inhumankind’s greed and refusal to practice good and faithfulstewardship within the divine boundaries of creation.

Seventh-day Adventists advocate a simple, wholesome lifestyle,where people do not step on the treadmill of unbridledconsumerism, goods-getting, and production of waste. We callfor respect of creation, restraint in the use of the world’sresources, re-evaluation of one’s needs, and reaffirmation ofthe dignity of created life. This statement was approved and voted by the General Conferenceof Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee (ADCOM) andwas released by the Office of the President, Robert S. Folkenberg, atthe General Conference session in Utrecht, the Netherlands, June 29-July 8, 1995.

1992 – Caring for Creation: A Statement onthe Environment

1995 – A Statement on the Environment

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It is the belief of the Seventh-day Adventist Church thathumankind was created in the image of God and is thus torepresent God as His steward and to manage the naturalenvironment in a faithful and fruitful way. Nature is a gift fromGod. Unfortunately, men and women have been increasinglyinvolved in an irresponsible destruction of the earth’s resources,resulting in widespread suffering, environmental degradation,and the threat of climate change. While scientific research needs to continue, it is clear from theaccumulated evidence that the increasing emission ofdestructive gasses, the massive destruction of the Americanrain forests, and the depletion of the protective mantel of ozone(the so-called greenhouse effect), are all threatening the earth’seco-system. There are dire predictions of global warming, risingsea levels, increasing frequency of storms and destructivefloods, and devastating desertification and droughts. These problems are largely due to human selfishness and greedwhich result in ever-increasing production, unlimitedconsumption, and depletion of non-renewable resources.Solidarity with future generations is discussed, but the pressureof immediate interests is given priority. The ecological crisis isrooted in humankind’s greed and refusal to practice good andfaithful stewardship. The government and people of Costa Rica are to becommended for their support of a comprehensive policy ofsustainable development in harmony with nature.

Seventh-day Adventism advocates a simple, wholesome lifestyle,where people do not step on the treadmill of unbridled over-consumption, accumulation of goods, and production of waste.A reformation of lifestyle is called for, based on respect fornature, restraint in the use of the world’s resources, revaluationof one’s needs, and reaffirmation of the dignity of created life. This statement was approved and voted by the GeneralConference of Seventh-day Adventists AdministrativeCommittee (ADCOM) for release by the Office of the President,Robert S. Folkenberg, at the Annual Council session in San Jose,Costa Rica, October 1-10, 1996.

1996 – A Statement onStewardship of the Environment

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Spring Peas

Peas are a cool season vegetable and do best in a climate where thereare two months of cool growing weather.

Dried peas were among the essentials needed by people preparing tosail to the American colonies. They were nutritious, would keepindefinitely and required little storage space on the ship. When Englishcolonists arrived in America, peas were one of the first crops to beplanted.

The two main types of peas are bush and vine. Bush types grow in mostarea of California; vine types do best when planted along the coast.

Different types of peas include wrinkled peas, smooth types, yellow peas,black-eyed peas, crowder peas, cream peas, bushing and climbingvarieties, snow peas and snap peas. Snow peas and sugar snap peas are two different types of peas. Snowpeas have flat pods with small, undeveloped flat peas. Sugar snaps,which are plump with fully developed peas and edible pods, are a crossbetween English peas and snow peas.

Nutrition FactsPeas are a legume. Legumes are plants that produce pods with edible,fleshy seeds. Legumes are protein-rich, low fat, nutritional additions toalmost any meal, and peas are certainly no exception. In fact only limabeans are a better vegetable source of protein than peas. Approximately2 1/2 cups of chopped, raw sugar snap peas contain 8 grams of protein.This a little more protein than 1 egg or a tablespoon of peanut butter.Peas take so well to freezing that only about 5 percent of the nation'spea crop are sold fresh. Most of the pea crop is sold canned, frozen, andto a lesser degree, dried. Frozen peas retain their color, flavor andtexture much better than canned peas.

Harvesting Peas Garden/Shelling peas should be picked when the pods swell and you candiscern the peas inside, and they feel firm. Experiment a bit at first. Donot wait too long to pick or they will be starchy.

Snap peas should be picked earlier, when the pods have started to swell,but the peas inside are smaller. If you wait too long to harvest, the podswill get stringy and unpleasant to eat and you will have to shell them justlike garden peas. Pick snap peas every couple of days.

Snow peas should be picked even earlier when you can barely discernthe peas inside. They will look just like the snow peas that you buy at thegrocery store or eat in restaurant dishes.

Beets

Beets are a root vegetable that has two parts — the edible root and theedible green leaves. Beets are native to the Mediterranean. Althoughthe leaves have been eaten since before written history, the beet rootdid not become a popular food until French chefs recognized theirpotential in the 1800's. Beet powder is used as a coloring agent formany foods. Some frozen pizzas use beet powder to color the tomatosauce. It is estimated that about two-thirds of beet crops end upcanned.

Nutrition informationBeet tops are an excellent source of vitamin A and the roots are a goodsource of vitamin C. Red beets also provide some calcium, and iron,and add fiber to the diet. Beets contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances that help prevent cancer and fight heartdisease. A one cup serving of plain cooked diced beets has 50 calories.

Harvesting beetsBeets can be harvested whenever they grow to the desired size. About60 days are required for beets to reach 1 1/2 inches in diameter, whichis the size often used for cooking, pickling or canning as whole beets.With most varieties, beets larger than 3 inches may become tough.Beets may be stored in a plastic bag in a refrigerator for several weeks.Cut off the tops of the beets one inch above the roots.

Appendix 5: Sample plant-based garden vegetablerecipes and nutritional information

Bell Peppers

Bell peppers can be found in a rainbow of colors and can vary in flavor. Bellpeppers are native to Mexico and Central America. Peppers were named byChristopher Columbus and Spanish explorers who were searching forpeppercorn plants. Peppers quickly became popular in Europe, where theywere eaten whole, made into spices and used as condiments. The mostpopular bell pepper in the United States is the green bell pepper.

Nutrition InformationOne cup of bell peppers contains 50 calories. Bell peppers are a great sourceof vitamins A and C. Red bell peppers have the highest amounts of vitaminsand are usually sweeter.

Harvesting peppersPeppers may be harvested at any size desired. Green bell varieties are usuallypicked when they are fully grown and mature - 3 to 4 inches long, firm andgreen. When the fruits are mature, they break easily from the plant. Coloredbell pepper fruits may be left on the plant to develop full flavor and ripen fullyto red, yellow, or orange.

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Roasted Root Vegetables

4 medium-sized root vegetables (potatoes,parsnips, beets, sweet potatoes) 2 chopped carrots 1 medium chopped onion 1/4 cup vegetable oil 3 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese

Directions:1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Cut vegetables into large chunks. 3. Place in a medium bowl and pour oil over top.Add Parmesan and mix well. 4. Spread an even layer on a baking sheet. 5. Bake for 1 hour or until tender. Check a fewvegetables to see if they are tender.

Makes 4 servings

Nutrition information per serving: 250 calories,15g fat, 2g saturated fat, 26g carbohydrate, 7gfiber, 5g protein, 13g sugar, 150mg sodium 

Sautéed Beet Greens

1 pound beet greens 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, to taste 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 tablespoon salt, plus more to taste Freshly ground pepper 1/4 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:1. Remove the green leaves from stems.2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. When the watercomes to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the greens.3. Blanch the greens for 2 minutes, until tender. Transferimmediately to a bowl of ice water, then drain andsqueeze the water out from its leaves. Chop coarsely.3. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large, heavy non-stick skillet. Add the garlic and hot red pepper flakes (ifusing) and cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant andtranslucent, 30 to 60 seconds.4. Stir in the greens. Stir for a couple of minutes, until thegreens are nicely seasoned with garlic and oil. Seasonwith salt and pepper, remove from the heat, and serve.

Make 4 servings

Nutrition information per serving: 211 calories, 17g fat,4g saturated fat, 12g carbohydrate, 2.5g fiber, 5g protein,9g sugar, 230mg sodium

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