Libraries Across Germany Cultivate Sustainability with Free Seed Borrowing
In the heart of Sprendlingen, the local library has been cultivating more than just knowledge for the past three years. Heike Walther, the director, has been offering free vegetable seeds to the community, promoting sustainable gardening and self-sufficiency.
The library's seed project, a partnership with the association for the preservation of plant diversity, allows locals to borrow seeds for free. The initiative encourages sustainable action, as a portion of the harvest must be returned to create new seed for the library's collection. This cycle helps maintain and diversify the seed stock.
The offer is not limited to Sprendlingen. In nearby Worms, the public library also provides free vegetable seeds, including tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans, with no membership card required. The trend towards sustainability has inspired more public libraries nationwide to include plant seeds in their offerings. Bad Kreuznach and Gensingen, both in the Mainz-Bingen district, have also joined this green initiative. In Gensingen, both vegetable and flower seeds are available for borrowing.
The seed borrowing programs in Sprendlingen, Worms, Bad Kreuznach, and Gensingen are fostering sustainable gardening and community engagement. By returning a portion of their harvest, borrowers help maintain and expand the libraries' seed collections, ensuring the continuation of this green initiative.
