Sustainability at Duke Farms:
At Duke Farms, part of our mission is to inspire people to start building a more sustainable future. We do our best to lead by example; for instance the Orientation Center was restored using reclaimed materials found on the property and the roof was designed to catch and divert rainwater into rain barrels, where the water can either support our plumbing system or water plants. Excess water is sent to the rain gardens on the property. We have six refillable water stations onsite to encourage the use of reusable water bottles. Inside the Orientations Center and Café, there are different trash bins for different types of waste, including: paper and plastic recycling, compost, and landfill. We provide each bin with an educational sign to help with proper waste disposal. The café also uses compostable alternatives to utensils, cups, straws, plates, and napkins; this helps support the compost supply for the community garden.
Sustainability in a Consumer Society:
In a fast-paced consumer society like our own, living sustainably can be a challenge. With the internet providing us with endless opportunities to consume goods and services, we're used to having everything right at our fingertips. Services like Amazon have made life incredibly simple through 24/7 product accessibility and free two-day shipping. Though the internet provides the remarkable gift of convenience, it’s important to take advantage of what we have right in front of us and become well-informed consumers.
Take the first steps towards sustainability by knowing where your products come from, learning how they’re made, what materials go into the production process, and researching the people in charge of the company. If you want to learn more about the sustainable practices at Duke Farms and how you can adopt sustainable habits at home, stop by the Orientation Center during your next visit!