Greening Your Environment Tip # 3 ~ Buy Locally

~ THINK GLOBAL ~ BUY LOCAL ~

Everyone knows this one, right? Walk right past those fresh strawberries from

2000 miles away (as in South America)in your local grocery store (in January)

and go to the frozen foods section. It is likely the frozen strawberries were picked,

frozen at their peak, and do not suffer transportation time or lose nutrients from

freezing.

Better yet, buy from farmers and growers in your local region and freeze, can

or dry your own fruit and veggies.

I subscibe to the theory that the food grown in local soil has the ingredients

you need to thrive and be healthy. Fruits and vegetables from far away, do not.

They also cost a fortune in fuel and production to get to you.

Think about this the next time you want fresh raspberries in February. Be a "Green

Food Buyer "and buy from your local farmers, it is good for the environment and you.

If you think about preserving your own food, it isn't that difficult. It used to be a way

of life for our parents and grandparents. Even if you only can tomatoes, or peaches,

you are helping the local environment and the local farmers.

My friends and I have talked about having a "Canning Party." Many hands make

work go quickly and we could all benefit from the results. Those fresh canned peaches

taste pretty darn good on a cold winter evening.

So in the interest of GOOD FOOD & LOCAL FARMERS, here is a list of LOCAL FARMS

in West Michigan that sell to the public: Grand Rapids Michigan Farm Markets

You can probably find your own local markets online in your area. State and

County extention offices are good places to look.

I have a small garden and today, we have asparagus and rhubarb available to

eat. The lettuce I planted 2 weeks ago is coming up, and I will be eagerly

awaiting the first strawberries at the local markets. (Mine are blooming but the

resident critters like them as much as we do)

Yes, I know the asparagus bed needs weeding...on today's to-do list.

Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate

Copyright 2009 All rights reserved

Photos of produce and Bos Farm Market by Bonnie Westbrook