A no-nonsense holistic approach to living a happy healthy life – written by a free thinker who likes doing things HER way!

I try to avoid self labeling as much as possible, but I just had to smile when a good friend referred to us as “Locavores” the other day. Such a funny word! 

A locavore is someone who aims to eat food that is locally produced, normally within 100 miles from home.

Let me begin by addressing the difference between Local and Sustainable. Sustainable agriculture is a method of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, provides a fair wage to the farmer, and supports and enhances the community. While buying local foods does often times support sustainable agriculture, it does not guarantee that the food is sustainable. Local food production can still include pesticides, chemical fertilizers, factory farming, hormones and the abuse of antibiotics, so it’s important to ensure you are supporting farmers that are using sustainable methods when you buy local. Confusing, I know!

In North America, did you know that our food travels an average of 1500 miles to reach us (from farm to plate). A typical carrot has to travel 1,838 miles to reach your dinner table. I also just recently learned that about 40 percent of our fruit here in the US comes from overseas. That’s a ridiculous amount of fruit! These stages in food production use large amounts of fossil-fuel that contribute to global warming.

So why should you consider becoming a Locavore?

• You’ll know where your food comes from.
• You will be supporting local farmers and developing a relationship with farmers in your area.
• Locally-grown produce has better nutritional value, is fresher and tastes better. Fresh produce loses nutrients quickly, so locally grown food that is purchased soon after harvest, retains more nutrients than food that has more “food miles”.
• You’ll reduce your carbon footprint. According to Sustainable Table, the food miles for items in the grocery store are, on average, 27 times higher than the food miles for goods bought from local sources.
• Eating local is better for the environment. Think about the fuel that is saved on transportation alone!
• Eating local will ensure you’re eating seasonal foods.
• You get to wear funny t-shirts!

While I’m sure that sounds wonderful, purchasing most of your food within a 100-mile radius could be a bit of a challenge depending on where you live. What about 150 miles, 200 miles, or within your state? That seems feasible, right? Also, it doesn’t have to be every meal. You can start out by taking small steps – eating one meal a day and then working your way up. Jennifer Maiser, editor of Eat Local Challenge, suggests choosing 5 foods that you can consistently buy locally.

If you’re interested in eating more local foods, here’s a few suggestions:

• Seek out local farmers markets available to you. Most farmers markets will be available at least once a week, some several times a week.  You will also be helping to support the local farmers in your area. To locate farmers markets in your neck of the woods, check out Local Harvest.
• Join a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an excellent way to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Members of the CSA join for a season by paying upfront for a share of the weekly harvest and agreeing to pick it up at a pre-determined location. Denis and I are members of an organic, biodynamic CSA and we LOVE it.  We get delicious, fresh food, and best of all, we know exactly where our food is coming from. For those people who enjoy being creative in the kitchen, the CSA is great because shares are determined just a day or two before pickup, which forces you to come up with new recipes, especially when you receive fruits and vegetables you aren’t familiar with. You also get to visit the farm, which is cool! To find a CSA program in your area, visit the Alternative Farming Systems Information Center.
• Start your own garden. Everyone is doing it – look at the Obamas! Growing your own food is a simple step to reducing your carbon footprint and living more sustainably. Even if you live in an apartment or small condo, you can grow herbs, and other small veggies on your balcony or in a sunny windowsill. Community gardening is another great option if the city you live in provides this resource.
• Bulk is Beautiful! I’m not speaking of wholesale warehouses like, Costco. Consider buying in bulk direct from local farmers. Canning and freezing foods will assist you with eating locally during the winter months.
• Support restaurants in your area that buy from local farmers. Local Harvest lists restaurants that sell locally sourced food. Always ask your server what local options are available on the menu.

If you haven’t already, I urge you all to join the Eat Local Challenge. To learn more about the challenge and why it’s important to eat local foods, visit: www.eatlocalchallenge.com

Any changes you are willing to make, regardless of how small, are helpful!