T.R.E.E. holds organic harvest fair
Morning Star Ranch farmer sells organic produce in front of the UC.
Staff Writer
Students enjoying a sunny San Diego afternoon and searching for fresh, organic produce stopped by USD’s first ever Organic Harvest Fair.
The mini-farmers’ market took place on Thursday, Nov. 16 in front of the UC and was hosted by T.R.E.E.
T.R.E.E. stands for Totally Rad Environmental Enthusiasts. The group was originally called T.E.A.G. (The Environmental Action Group), but last spring the name was changed to T.R.E.E.
“The name T.R.E.E. is more applicable and fun. This semester we are growing,” Jen Lagedrost, president of T.R.E.E., said.
“T.R.E.E. is an environmental action group and it hits on environmental issues everyone can deal with,” Lagedrost said.
Lagedrost said there are a wide variety of people in the group and that there is record high membership.
At T.R.E.E.’s Organic Harvest Fair, the USD community listened to live music while having the opportunity to learn about environmental issues, such as the mission of San Diego Coast Keeper, which is “to keep the water clearer.”
Also, the San Diego River Park Foundation, a group “dedicated to creating the San Diego River Park from the Mountains to the Ocean” had a booth set up at the fair.
The Morning Star Ranch (Certified Organic Fruit and Vegetables) and Organic Produce Garden of Eden, two local organic growers, sold organic produce ranging from Asian pears to butternut squash.
To quench one’s thirst, Gingernize, located in Ocean Beach, sold different juices containing ginger. Gingernize’s website states, “The mixture of ginger and certain fruits, boost energy level and improves blood circulation.”
The Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Market provided handouts with information about organic living and environmental issues such as “The Top Ten Reasons To Buy Organic Foods.”
The reasons include: “protecting water, reducing risk of cancer for consumers and farmers, saving energy, better flavor and keeping chemicals off your plate.”
The fair was a big success, providing students with the opportunity to buy environmentally friendly local produce and learn about important environmental issues.
T.R.E.E. hopes to continue bringing information and awareness to campus.
T.R.E.E. is open to anyone who wants to join and help out with environmental issues whether big or small.
“We want to take care of the environment. We can all make a difference,” Lagedrost said.
The Vista, November 30, 2006