Among the most meaningful ways to connect with the earth is through seed saving, a practice that allows growers to conserve heirloom varieties, nurture stronger plants and reclaim some autonomy from commercial agriculture.

GTI Australia brings you part-two of Mark Allaway’s inspiring land restoration story in Central Victoria, in Dja Dja Warrung Country.   

In part one, Mark discussed how years of cattle and sheep farming had destroyed the lands’ thriving native ecosystem and how his approach of working from the ground up.

Bamboo trees are technically giant grasses. They have unique properties that make them valuable for various uses. Some store water in their stems/stalks. They make a calming sound when the wind blows through them, and they knock together. It’s so lovely.

Coconut palms (Cocos nucifera) are tropical trees widely grown in coastal and warm regions around the world. They are known for their economic and ecological importance.

I’d like that to be the takeaway – what we eat matters! And how we eat it, too!

On Palm Beach Island in the State of Florida (USA), near the Flagler Museum, an impressive kapok tree stands as one of the island’s most enduring natural landmarks, estimated to be about 186 years old.

Every individual action matters, and we can all make a difference. It’s important to support sustainable, local products whenever possible. There are even apps that rate the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the brands we choose. Palm oil production has had devastating effects on wildlife, yet many popular brands still use unsustainable palm oil. A simple step you can take today is to remind yourself to shop consciously. 

The theme for this year’s World Food Day is “Right to foods for a better life and a better future”. The term “foods” stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability, and safety. The idea is that a greater diversity of nutritious foods should be available for everyone so that every single citizen has the chance to lead a balanced and nutritious life.

Do not forget that your path towards a plant-based diet will necessarily be different than that of the person next to you, and that’s okay! Respect your rhythm, respect yourself and keep it up!

I made a decision to stop eating meat and adopt a predominantly plant-based diet after listening to a talk on veganism at the Habit Alignment Key (HAK) retreat in Bendigo, Australia, in 2023.