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  • From: "Sharon and Steve" <shopkins AT tdstelme.net>
  • To: "Market Farming" <market-farming AT lists.ibiblio.org>, <SustainableAg AT yahoogroups.com>
  • Subject: [Market-farming] Eat Local
  • Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:37:41 -0500

The following is blatantly stolen from the Stokes Newsletter:...............MAsteveINE


TIME TO EAT LOCAL
Across North America, communities are setting up "eat local" campaigns. Reducing your carbon footprint while supporting local food systems is something everyone should and can do. A carbon footprint is a way of measuring the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced. It is measured in units of carbon dioxide. There are websites to help you calculate your personal (or organizational) impact in contributing to global warming. It is estimated that the average food travels from pasture to plate 1200 to 2500 miles. Think of the energy that has been used to freeze or refrigerate and truck that food around.

Besides helping the environment, eating local food tends to be safer as well. Small farmers tend to use less chemicals than the large factory type operations. As well, produce from outside countries tend to have weaker environmental standards.

In Spring 2005, a couple from British Columbia, Alisa Smith and James Mackinon started an experiment. For one year they would buy or gather their food and drink from within 100 miles from their home. Their"100 Mile Diet" garnered a lot of attention worldwide. They set up a blog to share their trials and tribulations and their book has recently been published. For more information, visit the website www.100milediet.org .

Strictly adhering to the 100 mile diet would be difficult for most. Sourcing local products that are not naturally produced in your area can be a trial. Also, imagine doing without coffee or tea! But, we all can make some "baby steps" towards the eating local concept. Start by visiting your local markets, bakeries, butchers, breweries and wineries. Also, consider growing your own vegetables. A few packets of seeds and you will be eating fresh all summer with plenty left over to preserve or freeze for the winter months.





  • [Market-farming] Eat Local, Sharon and Steve, 01/28/2008

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