Blog Highlight: Local Dirt
Photo (Computix via Flickr, 2005)
High fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and unnecessary added ingredients have been something that has been taken off my children’s menu (but feel free to pass me a Pepsi). Slowly, processed flours are being replaced with whole multi grains, and organic foods are overtaking my cupboard and fridge. No easy task for a girl who used to live on cheese popcorn, chocolate milk, and Hostess treats every day for lunch – can you imagine I still managed anorexia at the time, if only I could find some happy middle now 🙂 But, shhhhh don’t tell.
However, since my environmental science class I’ve become more aware of the challenges we face in terms of food supply for a growing population. I’ve also learned how buying local foods is important to reducing negative environmental impacts as well as the economic advantages of buying local foods.
And so, without further hesitation this post is dedicated to a friend of mine who was featured a few weeks back in an NPR feature which you can read here. Please make a point to say hello to Renee and read up on some wonderful Afghan food that she’s been preparing with food from her local market. Also, Local Farm blog is a group blog, so roam around a little and be sure to check out Local Dirt’s main page which can help you find local foods in your area – check it out.
Samaha 
Remember, the overall carbon footprint of non-local foods may in fact be less than that of local foods and remember too that we should not make small farmers in developing countries struggling to earn a living in sometimes very difficult circumstances pay the price for new-found post-industrialisation eco-conscience. I whole heartedly support you in your stance on ethical healthy eating – buy Fairtrade and support the Chicago Fairtrade City campaign! http://www.chicagofairtrade.org/
Hi Owen,
ahhhh, the complexities of being environmentally conscious!!!
For me .. buying local is about supporting the local economy, preserving agricultural lands, and taking a stance against the processes that industrialized agriculture. Too much agricultural land is being sold to developers who place large shopping malls and parking lots on the land (we’re seeing the dispicable waste in today’s economy with malls that are half empty now) or putting up residential developments which are destroying the eco-habitats of necessary wildlife and plants of our communities and taking up agricultural land which we will need later. I’m also tired of hormones, preservatives, and antibiotics being pumped into our produce and meats. While there is no guarantee that the local foods are free of these things, a person is able to communicate with the source and make the decision for themselves.
Of course, I haven’t quite convinced myself to only eat foods that are in season and therefore of course it is important to buy Fairtrade. Also, although I find organic to be very important for myself – I do understand the complexities of feeding the world population and therefore while organic may be my preference there is a certain guilt involved in going against processes which efficiently produce more food. However, in this case, I would like to see industrialized agriculture take greater steps towards responsible food production and supporting organic products shows these companies that responsible food production is a priority.
Thanks for the link and your view!