Blog Action Day and many of us are writing about our contribution to the environment. But more than my contribution, I'm mostly reminded of how much I don't do.
Oh sure, I drive a small car that gets good mileage, but I've never given any thought to car pooling. And we recycle our glass and paper and plastic, and yet we still contribute far too much to the landfill. So sometimes I feel like our efforts won't really make a lot of difference.
But one of our choices has proven me wrong. I've written before about our membership in a local farm that engages in Community Supported Agriculture. We just completed our second year of membership. And it has been a fantastic experience. We consistently get far more produce for our money than we would ever get at the supermarket. Everything we get is fresh picked. It is all grown organically. And we are supporting a local farmer. I feel really good about this and the food is awesome! We eat fresh produce every day for the entire summer and our freezer is packed with frozen veggies and tomato sauce and salsa. We'll be eating food from the farm all winter.
And the support of the farm has been a good thing. The membership in the farm has grown every year. This farm had been a community supported farm for several years before we joined, but in our first year, there were 50 members. This year, it increased to 85...and he turned away close to 40 more. But the support of the local community has allowed him to purchase extra farmland and next year he'll be able to provide food to nearly 125 families in the area.
Local. No fuel or pollution to transport it. Organic. No fertilizers or pesticides in the earth. It tastes fantastic. And I actually get to meet and know the farmer that grows food for my family.
This is one contribution to the environment that I really do think makes a big difference.
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23 comments:
I've been thinking of trying that, but I haven't gotten around to it. Next year hopefully.
Yeah for the CSA!!! Our local CSA has a 2 year long waiting list, I just heard. *sigh* So much for that idea!!!!
Enjoy all your fresh CSA veggies!!!!
That is awesome! I applaud you. More people should take a page out of your book.....like ME for example! lol
The Community Supported Agriculture sounds like a wonderful idea! I should check around to see if they have that here.
I think that's a wonderful way to help with the environment, Em. come on over for a wee visit to see what I do...:)
I love this idea. I looked into it a few years ago, and there was one near us. When I checked into it, they had no extra spots for new people to join. I need to check back into this again! Thanks for reminding me!
And it must feel good knowing the produce you are eating is toxic free.
Cool! Maybe I should find a local CSA. I did actually visit a farm recently, however. But I had to drive more than two hours to get there.
And while there we rode in a combine. But that's neither here nor there.
I love our farmer's markets, but don't know much about CSA, so thanks for the info, Em. Also, you hit a nerve (in a good way) for me today...my daughter has been attending the same school for 5 years. We live close to 2 other students. We only started carpooling this year. Hello.
I think every country which has the opportunity should follow the Netherlands. They are using a lot wind and solar power. Swedes use a lot hydro power so we should follow them.
In season, we're self sufficeint (and more) in our own fruit and veg. Spuds are a different vegtable altogether when home grown.. oooh, are they sweet! Plus, it's great for the kids to all have their own veg patch - even if we have to guess if most of what they've grown will be poisonous or not! We have a great local farmers market, too. Small still can be good, but it needs all our support if it is to florish.
I agree totally. I applaud you as well.
This sounds like a tremendous concept. I so wish it would start and catch-on here in Middle TN.
My county is working on getting a CSA program started. I think it us such a great idea and I will be one of the first to sign up when it's available.
What a great idea. You always amaze me. You're a good egg. (A locally farm supported, cage free, Omega 3, non-hormone good egg.)
Good for you!!!
Absolutely. I have come, in truth, to thinking that locally-grown means more than "organic" ('tho the two often go hand-in-hand). My sister-in-law and her partner have a CSA, and seeing what they do and how they live is so inspirational.
Excellent life choice, Em.
Are you ok? Have you stopped posting? Have you moved?
Just checking...
Absolutely...
I walk everywhere...
I deal with a local organic vegetable store, I deal with a small butcher... We walk to the local movie house and if we need to commute we use public transportation... Every person can make a big difference...
Come vote for raymitheminx.blogspot.com for me
Hey Em! You're sorely missed in the bloggesphere!
What a brilliant initiative...hope all is well with you, Katie
Awesome! I'm working on a collection of green living tips at the moment and this is one of them!
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