Something I love to do is cook. Many recipes I fool with on a regular basis require fresh herbs and I find myself buying them at the store for far too much money. Not only do they cost a lot but they often come in plastic packaging with a lot of shipping associated with them that I just can’t agree with.

Recently, I decided I’d get around the disagreements I have with obtaining herbs by planting my own herb garden. I have access to wooden wine crates that helped me in the effort, and I thought I’d share my new preference for obtaining fresh herbs that’s more economical and ecologically friendly than buying them at the store or even farmers’ market.

I took 3 wine crates, bought some organic soil (lot of worm casings and guano in it), and the herbs I wanted. This is so obviously simple and such a great way to avoid having an environmental impact with some of your food. I bought tarragon, sage, rosemary, oregano, marjoram, mint, basil and even a tomatillo and planted them on my balcony and they’re doing great. I have aphids where I live, so I spray them with some of my natural dish soap mixed with water to detract them.

Now I have the herbs I need for my cooking and don’t support the shipping about of crops that can be grown local to me. It was one of the best moves I could make for my wallet and for us all.

In short, I buy: Herbs grown at my home. Saves money, tastes good, and helps save the world.