Photos by Russ Roca
What is the ultimate purpose of man and woman in this world? Is it the love we share with others, our experiences, our beliefs, reaching and attaining personal goals, or enjoying the work of our hands?
If you were to mix all those together and then asked to create a job that fulfilled all those criteria, what would yours look like?
For Aliye Aydin that job is Beachgreens. Founded in 2007, Beachgreens delivers fresh organic produce from local farmers, to the doorsteps of Long Beach citizens. Aliye is part of a young guard of citizens who are health conscious and ready to make a change, and inspire those around her to do the same.
Describe in your words what a local farmer would be described as?
A local farmer is someone who has a face, someone you can meet and talk to about their farming practices. Long Beach is a little different, because in our urban environment we’re not as surrounded with local farmland. Someone you can visit their farm with a day trip.
What are the main benefits of the food not having to travel long distances?
One is the carbon footprint, when food has to travel long distances there are lots of fossil fuels used in transport. A commonly said statistic is, the average the meal travels 1,500 miles from the farm to your plate.
As well, when things travel shorter distances their mineral and nutrient content isn’t as depleted from the journey. Everything we get through Beachgreens has been picked that week.
For those on a budget which foods are most important to eat organic?
See the list here.
Tell me your thoughts on the health consciousness of Long Beach?
In this day and age, cost is really an issue. Some understand the value of buying the right foods, and it’s a form of health insurance for them. They realize that they feel better and the benefit is worth the cost.
What is your vision for how Beachgreens can affect change in Long Beach?
Through education in the form of classes, creatively finding a way to access citizens with lower income in the future, and making sure that those are deciding to change their food choices through Beachgreens have the resources to make the change without too much stress.
You guys send out recipes and ideas with every box each week?
Yes, we attach recipes and instructions for the new vegetables and fruits that arrive so the individual won’t feel so overwhelmed with what to do next.
For more information visit beachgreens.com. Follow them on Twitter.
