Happy New Year! Gosh, I can't believe it's actually 2010 now. It just sounds so "futuristic". ;) So, I have been slacking on my goal of posting more on my blog during the Christmas Break...which obviously didn't quite happen. :P But, it's a new year now, and I am determined to do less slacking and procrastinating this year....but, we'll see how it goes. I have, however, been getting lots of reading done during the past two weeks, which has been so great!
I just finished reading a really great non-fiction book called, Plenty. It's about a couple from Vancouver, B.C. who decide to eat locally (within 100 miles of where they live) for a year. :) The book is very informative, and has some pretty hilarious moments as well. I have--for quite some time now--been interesting in learning more about food and nutrition, but this book has spurred me into thinking even more about where my food comes from, how far it travels, and how I better support local farmers. And, I'm now very curious to try out eating locally (a.k.a. being a "locavore") for a period of time myself. Don't think I could do a year (maybe more like a month), and I'd probably have to stretch that 100 miles to more like 200 miles or so. I think, like is mentioned throughout Plenty, that it would be quite challenging, but also very rewarding and fun. Now, I just have to convince my husband Dave to join me. ;)
I've also been doing a lot of research (which is my other favorite thing to do besides reading) the past couple of days about local eating in the Portland, Oregon area and in general. So, as a result, I have quite a few local-eating websites that I will be adding to my Links page soon. And, I will also be sharing some more book recommendations on my Books/Films page for anyone who is interested.
As a final comment on the topic of local eating, I wanted to share something I came across that may help you when you're out doing your shopping at the grocery store:
If not LOCALLY PRODUCED, then Organic. This is one of the most readily available alternatives in the market and making this choice protects the environment and your body from harsh chemicals and hormones.
If not ORGANIC, then Family farm. When faced with Kraft or Cabot cheeses, Cabot, a dairy co-op in Vermont, is the better choice. Supporting family farms helps to keep food processing decisions out of the hands of corporate conglomeration.
If not FAMILY FARM, then Local business. Basics like coffee and bread make buying local difficult. Try a local coffee shop or bakery to keep your food dollar close to home.
If not a LOCAL BUSINESS, then Terroir, which means 'taste of the Earth'. Purchase foods famous for the region they are grown in and support the agriculture that produces your favorite non-local foods such as Brie cheese from Brie, France or parmesan cheese from Parma, Italy.
(source: http://www.locavores.com/how/)
Happy New Year...and happy local eating! :)
Emily
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