Whoever came up with the bumper sticker "Think Globally, Act Locally" was really onto something. Having just finished a degree in Environmental Sustainability from the University of Florida, I have come to appreciate the truth of this message, and have learned that only by reimagining and rebuilding our communities can we begin to effectively restore the Earth.

We've worked tirelessly to build a culture based around the convenience of the consumer, where "every man is an island." Over the generations we have dramatically weakened our sense of place and sense of community. We have come to believe that food doesn't come from our backyards; it comes from Publix (or even better, Super Walmart). In our pursuit of "the American Dream," we've quickly given up getting our hands dirty for a quicker-paced and more convenient lifestyle. This cultural shift (coupled with new food production techniques) has endured for several generations and is so engrained in our lifestyle that we consider it normal.

In our current food production system, the average food item travels 1,500 to 2,000 miles before it arrives on our dinner table. The consequence of this has gone unnoticed for a century: We don't end up paying the full price for the food we eat!

The costs required to process, package and ship our foods are not part of the receipt given at the grocery store, and are contributing to higher gas prices, higher food prices, and global warming. The first step that can be taken to change this system is a conscious change in our excessive consumption habits! I propose a new bumper sticker: "Think Globally, Eat Locally."

I'm not John Lennon, Barack Obama or Bill Gates. I lack the power and the resources that would render me capable of inciting the ecological and cultural revolution needed to save the planet. Regardless, I do know that by acting locally and encouraging others, we can begin imagining a new American Dream, refostering our sense of community and thinking globally.

So what can be done? There are a million ways to reduce our impact, while investing in our neighborhoods and communities. One simple, effective and satisfying way to begin this long-term investment is by planting a community garden.

A community garden of any size will yield countless benefits, whether it's beside your mailbox, or a vacant lot divided into plots. Not only do community gardens add beauty and green space to a neighborhood, heightening our appreciation for nature, they also give us an opportunity to interact and unite with people of different backgrounds and identities.

Urban areas with community or neighborhood gardens have seen decreases in crime levels. Community gardens foster a sense of stewardship and community ownership in their users, and frequently lead to the establishment of neighborhood associations (which can then move on to tackle other social issues).

They also provide our youth with the opportunity to connect with nature and better understand where our food comes from. Studies have also shown that community gardeners and their children eat healthier diets than do non-gardening families.

The street I grew up on in Sarasota boasts four community garden boxes (my house included) that grow tomatoes, peppers and other herbs and vegetables. These garden boxes differ from the plot system; neighbors are encouraged to pick anything they like. One elderly woman down the street frequently picks from our basil and brings us back delicious batches of pesto!

Many of us are stuck in apartments, and don't have the option of a garden. Not to worry, many alternatives are equally beneficial. By seeking local alternatives rather than supporting corporate chains, we can take sustainable steps that foster growth within the community. Explore local grocers; many get their produce from local farmers, stock more local meats and feature organic products. Or visit your local farmers market and meet the local growers; it's nice to know exactly where your fruits and veggies are coming from.

The time invested in a community garden willbenefit individuals, neighborhoods, communities and the cities they are part of, all the while fostering a more intimate connection to food, neighbor and the land. No matter what size, community gardens offer a beginning to the creation of healthier, happier and more sustainable communities.

Meggan McLeod is a graduating senior at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Her family lives in Sarasota.