Serviceberries for Earth Day

Wow, next Tuesday, April 22 is the 55th anniversary of Earth Day! It’s amazing to think what 20 million Americans taking to the streets in 1970 have accomplished. The collective power of their voices brought about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and five decades of protective action for our environment and human health.

Yet, this year Earth Day feels as chaotic and unpredictable as April’s weather. Even though spring is a season of renewal, I wonder if those key participants are currently feeling unsettled? Maybe you are too? If so, you’re not alone. Perhaps now’s a good time for everyone to come together in a kindness club and our first order of business is to read The Serviceberry, by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Reciprocity, Interconnectedness, and Gratitude

In The Serviceberry, Kimmerer uses the amalenchier, a blueberry-strawberry-esque fruit, to inspire us to move beyond thoughts of consumerism and self. Instead, she invites us to think in terms of a gift economy, which she metaphorically refers to as a serviceberry economy.

“In a serviceberry economy, I accept the gift from the tree and then spread that gift around, with a dish of berries to my neighbor, who makes a pie to share with his friend, who feels so wealthy in food and friendship that he volunteers at the food pantry.” —Robin Wall Kimmerer

A market economy is based on competition, supply and demand. In contrast, the serviceberry economy focuses on reciprocity, interconnectedness, and gratitude. “Serviceberries show us another model, one based upon reciprocity, where wealth comes from the quality of your relationships, not from the illusion of self-sufficiency,” writes Kimmerer.

My Own Serviceberries

This year tomatoes will be my serviceberries. I’m excited to be participating in Seed Savers Exchange (SSE) ADAPT, a trial program that helps preserve and share our food crop heritage. It’s fun! I feel like a contributing scientist! SSE provided me with three varieties of tomato seeds, each with the most interesting names. And because I’m also growing our usual favorites, come fall harvest, we will be inundated with delicious goodness—may my gratitude and reciprocity abound!

By the way, this year is SSE’s 50th anniversary—so many awesome organizations are celebrating! And if you’re interested in next year’s ADAPT, check it out here.

Happy Earth Day everyone. May we align ourselves to the nature of the good earth God has given us!