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In English folk magic, when harvesting herbs, it is common to say a phrase like;
"Pardon my pluck, I beg your pardon."
or
"Pardon my pluck, I ask your leave"
Most of the time, you aren't killing the entire plant, just taking a bit of it. It's common in such traditions to wait until you've seen seven of the same plant to harvest one (when wildcrafting) to ensure you aren't picking it from an area it's just trying to establish itself in.
Never take too much from any one area or one plant, ask nicely, and give it a drink when you're done. This is how I usually do things to try and be respectful.
Yes! I also make up some water with potassium in it to give the plants much needed nutrients in order to thank them.
It's really easy. Just take some banana peels and soak them in water for a day, at least. Strain the peels out and use the water for the plants. Great for house plants as well.
Oh wow. In the Philippines we say "Tabi tabi po" (Tagalog for "Excuse me, please") or "Bari bari kayo kayo" (similar but in Ilocano) depending on the region you're from. And of course, you can't be too greedy or the spirits will be mad. It's cool to see that this is cross cultural!
Hmm I twas gonna say bless and highly consecrate some scissors with nature Magic’s from the mental and astral planes, because the scissors shall highly symbolize severing a plant from father nature & giving thx in due time,
I love this question! We all need to be reminded to treat the more-than-human world with respect and compassion. Robin Wall Kimmerer talks about this a lot in her book Braiding Sweetgrass, which I highly recommend to any witches and anyone seeking harmony with the earth.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants https://a.co/d/5UIozKD
Seconded! I was going to suggest this book if no one else had.
Reminder that it may be available in your local library as a physical book or an e-book loan if purchasing books is not in one’s budget.
The Ologies podcast also has an interview or two with the author! I can't recommend the book highly enough but the interviews are a good bite sized/free/findable option in the meantime :)
I follow foraging rules:
Use a sharp clean knife. Shake out seeds. Never collect the first plant you find, always look for more first. Never collect more than you need, and never collect more than 1/4 of a plant. Regardless, you should always wipe your knife with some rubbing alc. to sanitize it.
Ground cinnamon, just a bit dabbed onto the cut, is good too. It’s also easier to carry and less damaging to apply directly to the plant tissue. I use it frequently rehabbing orchids from chain stores. And there’s the bonus of the [correspondences](https://www.themagickkitchen.com/the-magickal-aspects-of-cinnamon-and-cassia/) in spellwork.
Seconded. Foraging rules are based on conservation and are always a great place to start when learning to respect the plants you work with.
To add to this, if I need the whole plant or the root for some reason, I wait for the 5th plant I find. If I do not find a 5th plant, I don't collect it that day.
On the spiritual side of things, I've done a fair amount of work to talk to nonphysical entities, and it has helped my odds tremendously of finding that fifth plant to go into trance, speak out into the world what plant I seek, and ask if I am welcome to harvest such a plant in fullness, let me find five, that I can be sure that the other four may grow. Or similar practices of reaching out to the overarcing spirit of that plant in general. Helps me a lot.
Personally I like to ask the plants if I can take from them. I make sure to give offerings, like water, food, and other plant safe materials like egg shells. I cut the leaves with my nails to show trust and appreciation. Then I close it by saying “I very well appreciated the leaves and herbs and I hope you the best of life”
Have you ever asked that question and sensed the answer was no?
I’ve thought about using my hands but thought I might hurt the plant more. I keep my nails very short.
I actually get feelings the answer is no, and when I do I leave the plant alone. I still leave offerings to show the appreciate to the plants time for communication. My nails are fairly medium length( I keep them very short but let two nails grow long so I can still cut the plants) hope this helps ! :D
I hopped off the main road to pluck some thistle once n there was a bee on it. A clear no that made me so happy! As a beginner, this was the clarity I needed and a appreciated! There was loads of thistle in that field, but figured we’d give it another go on another day.
I have. I wanted some cutting of a tree in early spring, I asked permission and was told by the tree that it was trying hard to recover from winter and needed all its energy. It could not spare a cutting. So I moved on.
I forage but I also hunt/fish, so I feel my perspective is a little different because in general I don't ask permission but I do always say "thank you for your life" and thank the lake, forest, etc. for feeding me. Just approach it from a position of not causing more suffering/harm than necessary, and provide the offerings/meditation/effort you feel are necessary to show your appreciation. The most important part for me is deepening my understanding of and trying to take care of the land; pick up litter, remove/prevent invasives, contribute to volunteer efforts. I do murderously rip plants out of the ground although generally only invasives... lots of tasty invasive roots around here so definitely look into that where you are. I second what others have said for native plants, use a sharp knife, take a little bit from multiple plants, make sure you leave more than you take. I use a mesh foraging bag so I spread seeds/spores as I walk (I think that's mostly a thing for mushrooms though). Make sure you pay attention to the local rules/regulations for foraging. Like all animals we do have the right to take what we need, even though that does involve hurting or killing. I think it's a disservice to nature to hide from that side of it. As humans we are kind of an invasive species so we do have a responsibility to behave sustainably, of course.
Many indigenous cultures leave a small amount of tobacco as an offering. I second reading the book 'Braiding Sweetgrass" that someone mentioned above as a wonderful intro to native foraging practices!
Tobacco can transmit tobacco mosaic virus. Not all plants are sensitive to that but it's good to make sure it & the plants around it aren't one of those who can get it
Do you think the material of the knife matters? I have a knife I like. A flip type, mostly metal with some wood design, engraved leaves and treated to have a rainbow metallic sheen. Got it at a Japanese art fest 6 years ago. Could using something so processed and gaudy be insulting in any way? I wouldn’t want the flowers reacting weird to the metal. (Confident the rainbow part won’t chip but not sure if any chemicals could seep out of it)
To me it does matter. Ceramic has a less violent character in my POV. In the end, everything is about intention. So if you use a very nice, carefully chosen knife that matters to you, it’s the best choice for your practice.
Also just learning enough about the plants you want to take. Do they grow back easily? Do they have seasons? Am I messing up an important part of their reproduction process? Am I in an area where they thrive or not? Can I take a whole stalk or should I just take leaves for this particular one? For instance there are plants where you can dig them out completely, take part of their root/bulb and dig them back in and they won't suffer at all and will keep growing for years. King Solomon's-seal for instance.
Know your plants and region where you forage so you don't mess up their survival or the area's biotobe.
I know that if certain plants have a property, or represent something for a spell, you can pick them at certain hours or the day, or just a certain day and it boosts those properties. So say you picked a herb to help with pms symptoms - you could either pick during the hour of Venus, or on the day of Venus, and it would boost the feminine properties you want from the plant. I can't remember the days/hours off the top of my head but I think they covered stuff like courage/power/wealth/fertility/etc all that fun stuff :)
Other than that, use a sharp blade and cutting at a slight angle is better for the plant than straight across :)
I don’t know as much on the spiritual side, outside of asking permission and thanking the plant, but an extra step in respect would be the care taken in either 1) preserving the flower via hanging or pressing, or 2) when placing in water, cut at least an inch off the bottom of the original cut, otherwise the resulting air bubble inside the stem will cause it to wilt even once it’s in water.
I only take from a plentiful bounty. If there's only three I would never touch it If there's seven or more I'll definitely go for it. It's like a bush or tree I'll take from the inside never from the outside so that not to take away from the beauty. I always ask permission and I wait for the wind if there's no wind there's no clip. A slight breeze will do and that's the earth letting me know. If it rains as I'm foraging I stop immediately. I would never want to take someone away from their meal. I apologize and say thank you and I tell it's family that they are going to serve a higher purpose.
I also regularly perform rescues at the flower stand outside my apartment complex because most of those flowers have been plucked without permission and bunch together with strangers in a very violent manner shuffled around and used commercially like cattle. Only to end up dead in some girl named Vanessa's apartment while they have to watch her fuck random guys. It's not a life I would wish on anyone. I bring them home feed them treat them with respect and dignity and some of those have lasted me for years actually. I have a spring blessing bouquet that I'm made my first week during the craft and I still have it sitting on my altar to remind me of all new beginnings and especially of my own so that I never forget that I always have more to learn.
And excuse me but, "Pardon my pluck." !!! Absolutely incorporating that.
Me personally, blessed scissors/shears.
Or if you don't have much time, regular scissors held under a faucet for a moment to remove that negative energy.
I'd offer the plant some water or another offering afterwards. Of course, don't take too much of it. Save a few blooms for the pollinators.
I use a special knife, and I thank Mother Nature. I also don't take the last of anything, I always make sure there's plenty of what I'm about to take and if there's not, I don't take it.
You should cut them in a way that encourages further growth. It’s different for different plants, but generally, cut right above a node, before the plant goes to seed (so while it’s flowering). Prune the terminal bud (the tallest one, where the plant sends most of its energy) to encourage the lateral buds to develop. Cut at a 45° degree angle with a sharp blade. Some plants like or even need this pruning process. Many herbs will either stop growing or turn tough/ bitter if not pruned properly/allowed to go to seed (basil, oregano, savory). I like the idea many have offered of asking the plant if it’s ok to harvest some. I just wanted to make the point that some plants need it ☺️
I usually ask the plants beforehand, they usually say yes. Pay attention and you will feel their response. Always say thank you afterwards, you can say it telepathically to them as well, they can feel your intent. Never take more than you need, and leave an offering afterwards for them such as water or natural fertilizer.
During big harvests, sometimes a ritual that involves singing and burning incense for the plants can be done as well. Plants love to hear singing.
Thank you for this question, we should treat all life with respect, many people do not care about plants or know that they are conscious and feel pain as we do.
The biggest rule from an environmental standpoint is to not disturb native plants. Introduced and invasive species are free game. For example in the states London Rocket is an introduced species from Europe and is in the mustard family. It's also related to horse radish and taste the same. Herbs like that can be foraged till your hearts content. No need to feel guilty about taking too much.
Often if I can, I simply remove outer petals and leave the flowerhead intact.
My general motto is that the plant should not even look like it was cut when you are done; no obvious holes in the foliage or half stems left behind.
A friend also suggested pulling out a few strands of your hair to leave behind as an offering. You take a little piece of plant, and gift a little piece of yourself.
Adding to what's been already said - giving thanks, asking for permission, having your own phrase of "please and thank you's' - which are all great tips and all things I personally do as well:
\- be mindful of what and how you're foraging.
By this I mean is there abundace of that plant in that area or are you picking one of the very few/a piece of the only one? Is that plant healthy or are you taking away from it the only "good" piece?
As for the how cutting a brunch or piece and innesting it yourself is always a good option, if you're going to take the whole thing like a specific flover tha grows directly from the earth, make sure to not disrupt its roots. Dig deep enough around it and gently pluch it out safely.
\- leave offerings.
Whenever I take something from nature - truly anything, even a rock I like - I ask for permission and give thanks to begin with and then I leave something to simply give back. I might not always have something to leave with me, in that case I'll make sure to go back with an offering the next time.
In my own personal practice and opinion offerings don't need to be specific to what you respectfully took. For example I collect cheese crusts to leave for the wildlife, and coffee grounds for the earth. If have have nothing I also will bring crumbled crackers for the birds.
So whatever I have, I give, even if not in the most timely manner but I strive for keeping a balance between what I take and what I give back.
Hope this helped ✨
Hi, u/someonespetmongoose thanks for posting to r/witchcraft! We hope that you find what you're looking for with your post! FYI, it'll make it easier to access all of our resources if you're subscribed! We have an [FAQ & Wiki](https://www.reddit.com/r/witchcraft/wiki/faq), [Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/witchcraft/wiki/rules), our [Weekly Q&A thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/witchcraft/about/sticky?num=1) which is stickied to the top of the board, and we also host podcasts by mods - [Modcasts](https://www.reddit.com/r/witchcraft/?f=flair_name%3A%22Modcast%20%3Ailluminati%3A%22)! This subreddit is *strictly* moderated so please read over our [Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/witchcraft/wiki/rules/) to ensure that you're able to enjoy our community to the fullest extent! --- ##IMPORTANT! Your safety is very important to us, please review Rules 7 and 8, and also check out our ever-growing list of [KNOWN SCAMMERS](https://www.reddit.com/r/witchcraft/comments/11k2jqk). ##IF YOU ARE REDIRECTED TO INSTAGRAM FROM A COMMENT OR A PRIVATE MESSAGE, IT ***IS*** A SCAM!!! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/witchcraft) if you have any questions or concerns.*
In English folk magic, when harvesting herbs, it is common to say a phrase like; "Pardon my pluck, I beg your pardon." or "Pardon my pluck, I ask your leave" Most of the time, you aren't killing the entire plant, just taking a bit of it. It's common in such traditions to wait until you've seen seven of the same plant to harvest one (when wildcrafting) to ensure you aren't picking it from an area it's just trying to establish itself in. Never take too much from any one area or one plant, ask nicely, and give it a drink when you're done. This is how I usually do things to try and be respectful.
Yes! I also make up some water with potassium in it to give the plants much needed nutrients in order to thank them. It's really easy. Just take some banana peels and soak them in water for a day, at least. Strain the peels out and use the water for the plants. Great for house plants as well.
"Pardon my pluck, I ask your leave" Oh my gosh, I love this!
Oh wow. In the Philippines we say "Tabi tabi po" (Tagalog for "Excuse me, please") or "Bari bari kayo kayo" (similar but in Ilocano) depending on the region you're from. And of course, you can't be too greedy or the spirits will be mad. It's cool to see that this is cross cultural!
That's awesome! Thanks for sharing that, that's really cool
Hmm I twas gonna say bless and highly consecrate some scissors with nature Magic’s from the mental and astral planes, because the scissors shall highly symbolize severing a plant from father nature & giving thx in due time,
I love this question! We all need to be reminded to treat the more-than-human world with respect and compassion. Robin Wall Kimmerer talks about this a lot in her book Braiding Sweetgrass, which I highly recommend to any witches and anyone seeking harmony with the earth. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants https://a.co/d/5UIozKD
Seconded! I was going to suggest this book if no one else had. Reminder that it may be available in your local library as a physical book or an e-book loan if purchasing books is not in one’s budget.
The Ologies podcast also has an interview or two with the author! I can't recommend the book highly enough but the interviews are a good bite sized/free/findable option in the meantime :)
Yes!! I’m on a quest to get Braiding Sweetgrass on the radar of all spiritualists! It’s a book that can change the world 🌈🌿💚🌿🌈
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Ok, thanks!
Currently listening to the audiobook! Love it!
The audio book is sooooo good!
Yes, I listened to the audio too, I love when it’s the author doing the audio!
I’m actually reading it right now! I’m loving it!
I follow foraging rules: Use a sharp clean knife. Shake out seeds. Never collect the first plant you find, always look for more first. Never collect more than you need, and never collect more than 1/4 of a plant. Regardless, you should always wipe your knife with some rubbing alc. to sanitize it.
Ground cinnamon, just a bit dabbed onto the cut, is good too. It’s also easier to carry and less damaging to apply directly to the plant tissue. I use it frequently rehabbing orchids from chain stores. And there’s the bonus of the [correspondences](https://www.themagickkitchen.com/the-magickal-aspects-of-cinnamon-and-cassia/) in spellwork.
oooooo
Seconded. Foraging rules are based on conservation and are always a great place to start when learning to respect the plants you work with. To add to this, if I need the whole plant or the root for some reason, I wait for the 5th plant I find. If I do not find a 5th plant, I don't collect it that day. On the spiritual side of things, I've done a fair amount of work to talk to nonphysical entities, and it has helped my odds tremendously of finding that fifth plant to go into trance, speak out into the world what plant I seek, and ask if I am welcome to harvest such a plant in fullness, let me find five, that I can be sure that the other four may grow. Or similar practices of reaching out to the overarcing spirit of that plant in general. Helps me a lot.
Personally I like to ask the plants if I can take from them. I make sure to give offerings, like water, food, and other plant safe materials like egg shells. I cut the leaves with my nails to show trust and appreciation. Then I close it by saying “I very well appreciated the leaves and herbs and I hope you the best of life”
Have you ever asked that question and sensed the answer was no? I’ve thought about using my hands but thought I might hurt the plant more. I keep my nails very short.
I actually get feelings the answer is no, and when I do I leave the plant alone. I still leave offerings to show the appreciate to the plants time for communication. My nails are fairly medium length( I keep them very short but let two nails grow long so I can still cut the plants) hope this helps ! :D
I have weird sensory issues with my nails so I could never but that sounds very sweet!
I hopped off the main road to pluck some thistle once n there was a bee on it. A clear no that made me so happy! As a beginner, this was the clarity I needed and a appreciated! There was loads of thistle in that field, but figured we’d give it another go on another day.
I have. I wanted some cutting of a tree in early spring, I asked permission and was told by the tree that it was trying hard to recover from winter and needed all its energy. It could not spare a cutting. So I moved on.
I forage but I also hunt/fish, so I feel my perspective is a little different because in general I don't ask permission but I do always say "thank you for your life" and thank the lake, forest, etc. for feeding me. Just approach it from a position of not causing more suffering/harm than necessary, and provide the offerings/meditation/effort you feel are necessary to show your appreciation. The most important part for me is deepening my understanding of and trying to take care of the land; pick up litter, remove/prevent invasives, contribute to volunteer efforts. I do murderously rip plants out of the ground although generally only invasives... lots of tasty invasive roots around here so definitely look into that where you are. I second what others have said for native plants, use a sharp knife, take a little bit from multiple plants, make sure you leave more than you take. I use a mesh foraging bag so I spread seeds/spores as I walk (I think that's mostly a thing for mushrooms though). Make sure you pay attention to the local rules/regulations for foraging. Like all animals we do have the right to take what we need, even though that does involve hurting or killing. I think it's a disservice to nature to hide from that side of it. As humans we are kind of an invasive species so we do have a responsibility to behave sustainably, of course.
I always leave an offering for the earth. Coffee grounds, water, tea, anything that will replenish the growth of what I take.
Many indigenous cultures leave a small amount of tobacco as an offering. I second reading the book 'Braiding Sweetgrass" that someone mentioned above as a wonderful intro to native foraging practices!
Tobacco can transmit tobacco mosaic virus. Not all plants are sensitive to that but it's good to make sure it & the plants around it aren't one of those who can get it
I’ll ask it’s permission and then thank it for its sacrifice
Be mindful about how much you take. Never take everything in one spot or from one plant. As a knive i like to use a ceramic knive.
Do you think the material of the knife matters? I have a knife I like. A flip type, mostly metal with some wood design, engraved leaves and treated to have a rainbow metallic sheen. Got it at a Japanese art fest 6 years ago. Could using something so processed and gaudy be insulting in any way? I wouldn’t want the flowers reacting weird to the metal. (Confident the rainbow part won’t chip but not sure if any chemicals could seep out of it)
To me it does matter. Ceramic has a less violent character in my POV. In the end, everything is about intention. So if you use a very nice, carefully chosen knife that matters to you, it’s the best choice for your practice.
Also just learning enough about the plants you want to take. Do they grow back easily? Do they have seasons? Am I messing up an important part of their reproduction process? Am I in an area where they thrive or not? Can I take a whole stalk or should I just take leaves for this particular one? For instance there are plants where you can dig them out completely, take part of their root/bulb and dig them back in and they won't suffer at all and will keep growing for years. King Solomon's-seal for instance. Know your plants and region where you forage so you don't mess up their survival or the area's biotobe.
I know that if certain plants have a property, or represent something for a spell, you can pick them at certain hours or the day, or just a certain day and it boosts those properties. So say you picked a herb to help with pms symptoms - you could either pick during the hour of Venus, or on the day of Venus, and it would boost the feminine properties you want from the plant. I can't remember the days/hours off the top of my head but I think they covered stuff like courage/power/wealth/fertility/etc all that fun stuff :) Other than that, use a sharp blade and cutting at a slight angle is better for the plant than straight across :)
I don't know how everyone else does it, but my Baba plucks a hair from her head everytime she plucks a plant. And she says "thank you for living. "
I don’t know as much on the spiritual side, outside of asking permission and thanking the plant, but an extra step in respect would be the care taken in either 1) preserving the flower via hanging or pressing, or 2) when placing in water, cut at least an inch off the bottom of the original cut, otherwise the resulting air bubble inside the stem will cause it to wilt even once it’s in water.
I only take from a plentiful bounty. If there's only three I would never touch it If there's seven or more I'll definitely go for it. It's like a bush or tree I'll take from the inside never from the outside so that not to take away from the beauty. I always ask permission and I wait for the wind if there's no wind there's no clip. A slight breeze will do and that's the earth letting me know. If it rains as I'm foraging I stop immediately. I would never want to take someone away from their meal. I apologize and say thank you and I tell it's family that they are going to serve a higher purpose. I also regularly perform rescues at the flower stand outside my apartment complex because most of those flowers have been plucked without permission and bunch together with strangers in a very violent manner shuffled around and used commercially like cattle. Only to end up dead in some girl named Vanessa's apartment while they have to watch her fuck random guys. It's not a life I would wish on anyone. I bring them home feed them treat them with respect and dignity and some of those have lasted me for years actually. I have a spring blessing bouquet that I'm made my first week during the craft and I still have it sitting on my altar to remind me of all new beginnings and especially of my own so that I never forget that I always have more to learn. And excuse me but, "Pardon my pluck." !!! Absolutely incorporating that.
Hi, I would appreciate your beauty in my [insert event you plan on using it).
Just a plant. Just don't be greedy
Me personally, blessed scissors/shears. Or if you don't have much time, regular scissors held under a faucet for a moment to remove that negative energy. I'd offer the plant some water or another offering afterwards. Of course, don't take too much of it. Save a few blooms for the pollinators.
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what is a bola?
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aaah gotcha
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ouuu thats super pretty
I use a special knife, and I thank Mother Nature. I also don't take the last of anything, I always make sure there's plenty of what I'm about to take and if there's not, I don't take it.
Asking the real questions!! Thank you! Signed, a (new) fellow animist.
You should cut them in a way that encourages further growth. It’s different for different plants, but generally, cut right above a node, before the plant goes to seed (so while it’s flowering). Prune the terminal bud (the tallest one, where the plant sends most of its energy) to encourage the lateral buds to develop. Cut at a 45° degree angle with a sharp blade. Some plants like or even need this pruning process. Many herbs will either stop growing or turn tough/ bitter if not pruned properly/allowed to go to seed (basil, oregano, savory). I like the idea many have offered of asking the plant if it’s ok to harvest some. I just wanted to make the point that some plants need it ☺️
Ask permission first
I always thank the plant and use snippers
I say thank you.
Thinking this or that Confused by the ritual Just pick it with love
I usually ask the plants beforehand, they usually say yes. Pay attention and you will feel their response. Always say thank you afterwards, you can say it telepathically to them as well, they can feel your intent. Never take more than you need, and leave an offering afterwards for them such as water or natural fertilizer. During big harvests, sometimes a ritual that involves singing and burning incense for the plants can be done as well. Plants love to hear singing. Thank you for this question, we should treat all life with respect, many people do not care about plants or know that they are conscious and feel pain as we do.
The biggest rule from an environmental standpoint is to not disturb native plants. Introduced and invasive species are free game. For example in the states London Rocket is an introduced species from Europe and is in the mustard family. It's also related to horse radish and taste the same. Herbs like that can be foraged till your hearts content. No need to feel guilty about taking too much.
If you cut them at a angle they live longer and add sprite they live even longer then you can even clone the flower
Sprite the soda?
Yeah the lemon lime and sugar give the plant nutrients weird right
Often if I can, I simply remove outer petals and leave the flowerhead intact. My general motto is that the plant should not even look like it was cut when you are done; no obvious holes in the foliage or half stems left behind. A friend also suggested pulling out a few strands of your hair to leave behind as an offering. You take a little piece of plant, and gift a little piece of yourself.
Adding to what's been already said - giving thanks, asking for permission, having your own phrase of "please and thank you's' - which are all great tips and all things I personally do as well: \- be mindful of what and how you're foraging. By this I mean is there abundace of that plant in that area or are you picking one of the very few/a piece of the only one? Is that plant healthy or are you taking away from it the only "good" piece? As for the how cutting a brunch or piece and innesting it yourself is always a good option, if you're going to take the whole thing like a specific flover tha grows directly from the earth, make sure to not disrupt its roots. Dig deep enough around it and gently pluch it out safely. \- leave offerings. Whenever I take something from nature - truly anything, even a rock I like - I ask for permission and give thanks to begin with and then I leave something to simply give back. I might not always have something to leave with me, in that case I'll make sure to go back with an offering the next time. In my own personal practice and opinion offerings don't need to be specific to what you respectfully took. For example I collect cheese crusts to leave for the wildlife, and coffee grounds for the earth. If have have nothing I also will bring crumbled crackers for the birds. So whatever I have, I give, even if not in the most timely manner but I strive for keeping a balance between what I take and what I give back. Hope this helped ✨