The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is to hold a seed and plant exchange in an effort to promote a healthier and more self-sufficient lifestyle.

The event at the hospital library will include expert advice on gardening and how to cut down on waste.

Ami Zanders, reference librarian at the health sciences library, said the initiative was part of the hospital’s new strategic plan.

She said: “We want to involve the community more and collaborate. The first seed exchange we did was in March in collaboration with the Bermuda National Library, and it went very well.

“It is about engaging the community. We decided to do this one in September when we get cooler weather and people are starting to plant.

“I would like to do more in the future and we are hoping to get a seed library started to grow the interest.”

Speakers at the exchange include Christopher Faria, who will discuss the creation of a bio-intensive Bermuda. In addition, Alba Fernandez will outline how to have a plastic-free lifestyle and Doreen Williams James will talk about wild vegan cooking. The event will run between 5.30-7.30pm tomorrow.

Ms Zanders said: “People can learn to be self-sufficient and healthier.

“For me it is teaching me patience. You can save money and it’s therapeutic in that it can be good exercise and it is really good for your mental health.

She added: You can share experiences with others. It is like creating a mini-network.”

• For more information visit library.services@bhb.bm.