Two people mentioned raw milk to me last week, so apparently I need to catch up with the zeitgeist.
MI Real Milk
If you know of resources that are not on that list, just add them as comments to this post.
Rawmilk.org addresses issues relating to [drum roll] raw milk.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Monday, February 25, 2008
10 Reasons to Buy Locally Grown Food
This list of reasons to shop locally is from the 2006-2007 West Michigan Guide to Local Food.
1. Locally-grown, freshly-picked food tastes better.
Studies have shown that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is 1,500 miles, losing vitality and flavor as time passes.
2. Local produce tends to have more nutritional value.
The longer the time from harvesting produce to eating it, the greater the trend for sugars to turn into starches, plant cells to shrink, and nutrients to be diminished.
3. Buying local spurs economic growth.
Economists use the term “multiplier theory” to indicate that if you spend a dollar locally, it circulates locally, positively impacting 3-7 different local businesses before it leaves the area. Obviously that same dollar spent at a national or multi-national chain has very little positive impact on the local economy.
4. Local food preserves diversity.
In the modern industrial agricultural system, varieties are chosen primarily for qualities that create long shelf life in a store. Local farms selling directly to you tend to grow and raise many more varieties of vegetables, fruits, and animals - with the result that they are able to extend the growing season, satisfy many different customers, and bring back flavors and a heritage threatened with being lost forever.
5. You know the farmer and can find out easily how the food was raised.
Local growers provide what you want your families to eat. You can find out about their farming practices, for example, if you are looking for natural/organic growing methods or humane treatment of animals.
6. Local food supports local farm families.
Local farmers (who typically get only about ten cents of every dollar spent on food) selling directly to consumers cut out the middleman and get full retail price for their food - which means farm families can afford to stay on the farm, producing food for our future.
7. Local food builds community.
Knowing the farms and the land they’re on gives you insight into the seasons, the weather, and the miracle of raising food. Often, local buying gives you access to a farm where you and your children and grandchildren can share the experience of learning about nature and agriculture.
8. Local food preserves open space.
The many benefits of open space provided by farms will last as long as farmers can afford to stay on the land. When you buy local food, you are doing something proactive to preserve the agricultural landscape.
9. Local food keeps your taxes in check.
Farms contribute more in taxes than they require in services, whereas suburban development costs more than it generates in taxes, according to several Michigan and national studies.
10. Local food tends to be free of genetically engineered seed.
Surveys show time and time again that many American consumers do not trust genetically modified foods. Family farmers generally agree, and when direct-marketing have an incentive to avoid GE seed.
Spending just $10/week on local food would keep over $37 million circulating within Michigan
1. Locally-grown, freshly-picked food tastes better.
Studies have shown that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is 1,500 miles, losing vitality and flavor as time passes.
2. Local produce tends to have more nutritional value.
The longer the time from harvesting produce to eating it, the greater the trend for sugars to turn into starches, plant cells to shrink, and nutrients to be diminished.
3. Buying local spurs economic growth.
Economists use the term “multiplier theory” to indicate that if you spend a dollar locally, it circulates locally, positively impacting 3-7 different local businesses before it leaves the area. Obviously that same dollar spent at a national or multi-national chain has very little positive impact on the local economy.
4. Local food preserves diversity.
In the modern industrial agricultural system, varieties are chosen primarily for qualities that create long shelf life in a store. Local farms selling directly to you tend to grow and raise many more varieties of vegetables, fruits, and animals - with the result that they are able to extend the growing season, satisfy many different customers, and bring back flavors and a heritage threatened with being lost forever.
5. You know the farmer and can find out easily how the food was raised.
Local growers provide what you want your families to eat. You can find out about their farming practices, for example, if you are looking for natural/organic growing methods or humane treatment of animals.
6. Local food supports local farm families.
Local farmers (who typically get only about ten cents of every dollar spent on food) selling directly to consumers cut out the middleman and get full retail price for their food - which means farm families can afford to stay on the farm, producing food for our future.
7. Local food builds community.
Knowing the farms and the land they’re on gives you insight into the seasons, the weather, and the miracle of raising food. Often, local buying gives you access to a farm where you and your children and grandchildren can share the experience of learning about nature and agriculture.
8. Local food preserves open space.
The many benefits of open space provided by farms will last as long as farmers can afford to stay on the land. When you buy local food, you are doing something proactive to preserve the agricultural landscape.
9. Local food keeps your taxes in check.
Farms contribute more in taxes than they require in services, whereas suburban development costs more than it generates in taxes, according to several Michigan and national studies.
10. Local food tends to be free of genetically engineered seed.
Surveys show time and time again that many American consumers do not trust genetically modified foods. Family farmers generally agree, and when direct-marketing have an incentive to avoid GE seed.
Spending just $10/week on local food would keep over $37 million circulating within Michigan
These reasons are adapted in part from 2001 Growing for Market
Sunrise Acres (CSA - Lakeview)
Sunrise Acres has operated for two years as an organic CSA in Lakeview.
The growing season is from late May or early June until the frost cometh. The farm uses organic methods to raise vegetables and some fruit. Also, chickens and turkeys can be purchased through separate contracts. Weekly pick-ups are made at the farm.
Sunrise Acres uses animal powered equipment, and members are invited to attend a get-together after the season has ended.
Payment Options
1768 85th Ave.
Lakeview, MI 48850
(Again, thanks to the Swiers for sharing this info.)
The growing season is from late May or early June until the frost cometh. The farm uses organic methods to raise vegetables and some fruit. Also, chickens and turkeys can be purchased through separate contracts. Weekly pick-ups are made at the farm.
Sunrise Acres uses animal powered equipment, and members are invited to attend a get-together after the season has ended.
Payment Options
- $20 before April 1
- $30 before May 1
- $60 after May 1
- $12/half bushel per week
1768 85th Ave.
Lakeview, MI 48850
(Again, thanks to the Swiers for sharing this info.)
Diversity Farm (CSA - Morley)
Diversity Farm, a CSA in Morley, has used organic practices to grow produce for three years.
The West Michigan Food Guide lists this description: "We are a family farm raising grass fed lamb, pork, chicken, and eggs. We also have cow shares available from our dairy cows, and a CSA for fresh, quality vegetables. We use no hormones, pesticides, GMO’s, or antibiotics."
Their growing season is from late May to late October, when weekly half-bushels of fruits and vegetables are to be picked-up at the farm. Separate contracts can be made for meat, poultry, eggs, milk, butter, grains, flour and honey.
Other benefits include animal powered equipment and a get-together at the end of the season.
Payment Options
Atlee & Mary Yoder
14750 Six Mile Rd.
Morley, MI 49336
Thanks to the Swiers for sharing this info.
The West Michigan Food Guide lists this description: "We are a family farm raising grass fed lamb, pork, chicken, and eggs. We also have cow shares available from our dairy cows, and a CSA for fresh, quality vegetables. We use no hormones, pesticides, GMO’s, or antibiotics."
Their growing season is from late May to late October, when weekly half-bushels of fruits and vegetables are to be picked-up at the farm. Separate contracts can be made for meat, poultry, eggs, milk, butter, grains, flour and honey.
Other benefits include animal powered equipment and a get-together at the end of the season.
Payment Options
- $30 before April 1
- $60 before May 1
- $15 / half bushel per week
Atlee & Mary Yoder
14750 Six Mile Rd.
Morley, MI 49336
Thanks to the Swiers for sharing this info.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Sustainable Living Plan -- A Process Approach
A couple years ago, a friend and I were talking about how the process of moving from our current lifestyles to more sustainable ways of living was at times confusing and overwhelming.
That conversation led me to breakdown the process into this 5-stage plan that considers (a) food & drink, (b) clothing, (c) transportation, (d) waste, (e) energy, (f) special time and (g) education at each phase.
My own understanding of sustainable living is still developing; this post is bound to change as I learn more. While neither complete nor without contradictions, here is my biased breakdown. Just so you know, I have not yet completed Level 5. I'm on the journey too.
There are a number of Christian books and websites included. If that's not your thing, I hope you'll just skip over them and still find good in the rest of the list.
What additions or changes do you recommend for the plan?
STAGE 1
A. Food & Drink:
-- Eat more fruits, vegetables and nuts.
-- Eat less fast food.
-- Filter your water.
B. Clothing:
-- Empty the closet of clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.
-- Give clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
C. Transportation:
-- Plan ahead for smart car use. For example, use one drive for multiple errands rather than taking several trips in the car.
D. Waste:
-- Recycle whatever is possible.
E. Energy:
-- Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
-- Use energy efficient light bulbs.
F. Special Time:
-- Spend time with spouse or significant other.
G. Education:
-- Read Serve God, Save the Planet (Matthew Sleeth, M.D.) & Green Living (E Magazine).
-- Visit Grist & A Rocha.
-- Watch An Inconvenient Truth, In Debt We Trust & Trashed.
STAGE 2
A. Food & Drink:
-- Eat fewer processed and artificial foods (junk food).
-- Drink more water and unsweetened fruit juices.
-- Cut out most soft drinks and sweetened drinks.
-- Consume less sugar.
B. Clothing:
-- Only buy clothes you need.
C. Transportation:
-- Carpool to work whenever possible.
-- Make sure your tires are fully inflated.
D. Waste:
-- Buy products with minimal packaging.
E. Energy:
-- Turn down the water heater one notch, and insulate it.
-- Turn down the heat or air conditioner one notch.
F. Special Time:
-- Make time for your family.
G. Education:
-- Read For the Beauty of the Earth (Steven Bouma-Prediger), Let My People Go Surfing (Yvon Chouinard) & Reason for Hope (Jane Goodall).
-- Visit Tree Hugger & Creation Care.
-- Watch Energy Crossroads, Super Size Me & A Convenient Truth.
STAGE 3
A. Food & Drink:
-- Eat good oil/fat.
-- Get plenty of protein (beans, nuts, soy products, chicken, fish, etc.).
-- Use sea salt.
-- Buy locally grown produce in stores or farmers’ markets when possible.
B. Clothing:
-- Buy clothes from thrift shops or secondhand stores.
-- Look for clothes made of organic cotton.
C. Transportation:
-- Ride the bus or subway to work once a week or more.
-- Use gas supplemented with ethanol or use other biofuels like these. (At the time I first wrote this, ethanol was all the rage. Now time has shown that using corn for fuel and plastics has driven up the price of corn, putting extra pressure on the poor around the world in the form of higher food prices. This demonstrates the intricacies and dangers of unintended consequences.)
D. Waste:
-- Compost your food waste.
-- Reuse plastic grocery bags or use cotton bags that can be used repeatedly.
E. Energy:
-- Buy a hybrid vehicle. Use it as little as possible. While hybrids aren't the final answer for transport, they do tell manufacturers that there is a market for green technology, which should encourage them to invest more in this area.
-- Put electronic equipment on a power supply that can be switched off to stop phantom power usage.
-- Use fewer electrical gadgets.
F. Special Time:
-- Spend some time in meditation/prayer.
G. Education:
-- Read Saving God's Green Earth (Tri Robinson & Jason Chatraw), Natural Capitalism (Paul Hawken) & Culture Jam (Kalle Lasn).
-- Visit Earth 911 & Lighter Footstep.
-- Watch A Crude Awakening, Fast Food Nation & The Future of Food.
STAGE 4
A. Food & Drink:
-- Join a co-op in your community.
-- Buy organic, non-GMO foods whenever possible. Also, only buy free-range meat.
-- Take a complete, food-based vitamin/mineral supplement.
-- Consider becoming a vegetarian.
B. Clothing:
-- Buy clothes that are not made in sweatshops.
-- Learn about community conscious producers.
C. Transportation:
-- Try to use your bike for uses other than exercise.
D. Waste:
-- Use a library so fewer trees have to be cut for paper.
E. Energy:
-- Improve the insulation in your house.
-- Purchase wind energy or other green energy from your electric utility.
F. Special Time:
-- Volunteer.
G. Education:
-- Read The Care of Creation (Editor: R. J. Berry), Beyond Growth (Herman Daly) & Design Anarchy (Kalle Lasn).
-- Visit Restoring Eden & Earth Easy.
-- Watch Empty Oceans, Empty Nets, The Power of Community & Hempsters.
STAGE 5
A. Food & Drink:
-- Reduce the use of stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol.
-- Become a member of a CSA (community supported agriculture).
-- Start your own organic garden.
-- Eat more raw food.
-- Consider becoming a vegan.
B. Clothing:
-- Buy clothes made from organic hemp.
-- Only buy fair trade certified clothes.
-- Sew your own clothes.
C. Transportation:
-- Convert a diesel car to run on biodiesel.
-- Use bikes and feet as much as possible.
-- Look for work closer to home.
D. Waste:
-- Share as much as possible with neighbors so you can buy less. The more we buy, the more waste we produce.
-- Use a co-op to avoid buying plastic containers. Many co-ops allow you to refill shampoo bottles, peanut butter jars, spice racks, non-chemical cleaners, etc.
E. Energy:
-- Build or install a small wind generator.
-- Switch to solar power and solar water heating.
-- Become an activist for renewable energy production.
F. Special Time:
-- Go for walks in nature with friends and family.
-- Become an activist and share what you’ve learned.
G. Education:
-- Read Redeeming Creation (Fred Van Dyke, David C. Mahan, Joseph K. Sheldon & Raymond H. Brand), Plan B 2.0 (Lester Brown), Eco-Economy (Lester Brown) & Cradle to Cradle(McDonough & Braungart).
-- Visit Co-op America & Eco Sherpa.
-- Watch Earthlings, How to Save the World & The End of Suburbia.
-- Spend extra time educating yourself by reading books (at the library), blogs and websites.
And always search for ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and rot.
That conversation led me to breakdown the process into this 5-stage plan that considers (a) food & drink, (b) clothing, (c) transportation, (d) waste, (e) energy, (f) special time and (g) education at each phase.
My own understanding of sustainable living is still developing; this post is bound to change as I learn more. While neither complete nor without contradictions, here is my biased breakdown. Just so you know, I have not yet completed Level 5. I'm on the journey too.
There are a number of Christian books and websites included. If that's not your thing, I hope you'll just skip over them and still find good in the rest of the list.
What additions or changes do you recommend for the plan?
STAGE 1
A. Food & Drink:
-- Eat more fruits, vegetables and nuts.
-- Eat less fast food.
-- Filter your water.
B. Clothing:
-- Empty the closet of clothes you haven’t worn in the past year.
-- Give clothes to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
C. Transportation:
-- Plan ahead for smart car use. For example, use one drive for multiple errands rather than taking several trips in the car.
D. Waste:
-- Recycle whatever is possible.
E. Energy:
-- Turn off the lights when you leave the room.
-- Use energy efficient light bulbs.
F. Special Time:
-- Spend time with spouse or significant other.
G. Education:
-- Read Serve God, Save the Planet (Matthew Sleeth, M.D.) & Green Living (E Magazine).
-- Visit Grist & A Rocha.
-- Watch An Inconvenient Truth, In Debt We Trust & Trashed.
STAGE 2
A. Food & Drink:
-- Eat fewer processed and artificial foods (junk food).
-- Drink more water and unsweetened fruit juices.
-- Cut out most soft drinks and sweetened drinks.
-- Consume less sugar.
B. Clothing:
-- Only buy clothes you need.
C. Transportation:
-- Carpool to work whenever possible.
-- Make sure your tires are fully inflated.
D. Waste:
-- Buy products with minimal packaging.
E. Energy:
-- Turn down the water heater one notch, and insulate it.
-- Turn down the heat or air conditioner one notch.
F. Special Time:
-- Make time for your family.
G. Education:
-- Read For the Beauty of the Earth (Steven Bouma-Prediger), Let My People Go Surfing (Yvon Chouinard) & Reason for Hope (Jane Goodall).
-- Visit Tree Hugger & Creation Care.
-- Watch Energy Crossroads, Super Size Me & A Convenient Truth.
STAGE 3
A. Food & Drink:
-- Eat good oil/fat.
-- Get plenty of protein (beans, nuts, soy products, chicken, fish, etc.).
-- Use sea salt.
-- Buy locally grown produce in stores or farmers’ markets when possible.
B. Clothing:
-- Buy clothes from thrift shops or secondhand stores.
-- Look for clothes made of organic cotton.
C. Transportation:
-- Ride the bus or subway to work once a week or more.
-- Use gas supplemented with ethanol or use other biofuels like these. (At the time I first wrote this, ethanol was all the rage. Now time has shown that using corn for fuel and plastics has driven up the price of corn, putting extra pressure on the poor around the world in the form of higher food prices. This demonstrates the intricacies and dangers of unintended consequences.)
D. Waste:
-- Compost your food waste.
-- Reuse plastic grocery bags or use cotton bags that can be used repeatedly.
E. Energy:
-- Buy a hybrid vehicle. Use it as little as possible. While hybrids aren't the final answer for transport, they do tell manufacturers that there is a market for green technology, which should encourage them to invest more in this area.
-- Put electronic equipment on a power supply that can be switched off to stop phantom power usage.
-- Use fewer electrical gadgets.
F. Special Time:
-- Spend some time in meditation/prayer.
G. Education:
-- Read Saving God's Green Earth (Tri Robinson & Jason Chatraw), Natural Capitalism (Paul Hawken) & Culture Jam (Kalle Lasn).
-- Visit Earth 911 & Lighter Footstep.
-- Watch A Crude Awakening, Fast Food Nation & The Future of Food.
STAGE 4
A. Food & Drink:
-- Join a co-op in your community.
-- Buy organic, non-GMO foods whenever possible. Also, only buy free-range meat.
-- Take a complete, food-based vitamin/mineral supplement.
-- Consider becoming a vegetarian.
B. Clothing:
-- Buy clothes that are not made in sweatshops.
-- Learn about community conscious producers.
C. Transportation:
-- Try to use your bike for uses other than exercise.
D. Waste:
-- Use a library so fewer trees have to be cut for paper.
E. Energy:
-- Improve the insulation in your house.
-- Purchase wind energy or other green energy from your electric utility.
F. Special Time:
-- Volunteer.
G. Education:
-- Read The Care of Creation (Editor: R. J. Berry), Beyond Growth (Herman Daly) & Design Anarchy (Kalle Lasn).
-- Visit Restoring Eden & Earth Easy.
-- Watch Empty Oceans, Empty Nets, The Power of Community & Hempsters.
STAGE 5
A. Food & Drink:
-- Reduce the use of stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol.
-- Become a member of a CSA (community supported agriculture).
-- Start your own organic garden.
-- Eat more raw food.
-- Consider becoming a vegan.
B. Clothing:
-- Buy clothes made from organic hemp.
-- Only buy fair trade certified clothes.
-- Sew your own clothes.
C. Transportation:
-- Convert a diesel car to run on biodiesel.
-- Use bikes and feet as much as possible.
-- Look for work closer to home.
D. Waste:
-- Share as much as possible with neighbors so you can buy less. The more we buy, the more waste we produce.
-- Use a co-op to avoid buying plastic containers. Many co-ops allow you to refill shampoo bottles, peanut butter jars, spice racks, non-chemical cleaners, etc.
E. Energy:
-- Build or install a small wind generator.
-- Switch to solar power and solar water heating.
-- Become an activist for renewable energy production.
F. Special Time:
-- Go for walks in nature with friends and family.
-- Become an activist and share what you’ve learned.
G. Education:
-- Read Redeeming Creation (Fred Van Dyke, David C. Mahan, Joseph K. Sheldon & Raymond H. Brand), Plan B 2.0 (Lester Brown), Eco-Economy (Lester Brown) & Cradle to Cradle(McDonough & Braungart).
-- Visit Co-op America & Eco Sherpa.
-- Watch Earthlings, How to Save the World & The End of Suburbia.
-- Spend extra time educating yourself by reading books (at the library), blogs and websites.
And always search for ways to reduce, reuse, recycle and rot.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Maggie's Farm (CSA - Remus)
Maggie's Farm is a new CSA in Remus near the Wheatland Music Festival property.
A farm letter to members begins by sharing that "Maggie’s Farm was created by a group of friends with a desire to build stronger community relationships while focusing on healthy, nutrient dense foods. We decided that the best way to get started was through a community supported agriculture project, which provides fresh seasonal produce to individuals who purchase a 'share' of the farm."
"We do not use any genetically altered seeds, pesticides or petroleum based fertilizers for our crops. Only traditional farming methods and old-fashioned hard work are used at Maggie’s Farm..."
Maggie's Farm is also collaborating with "the Naturopathic Community Center and the Central Michigan Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation in Mt. Pleasant to offer bi-weekly cooking and food preparation classes, taught by two members of the farm. Classes will include how to put together meals from seasonal produce, seasoning with herbs, canning, pickling, culturing, bread making and more."
Members can also return food waste to be composted. This reduces the amount of waste going into trash bags and it returns nutrients to the soil, which benefits next year’s crops.
One unique aspect of this CSA is its payment system. Members pay on a weekly basis rather than paying the full amount at the beginning of the growing season when funds are normally brought in to cover the costs of seeds and operations.
Payment Options
5139 Polk Road
Remus, MI 49340
(989) 773-1310
mindfulcommunity at gmail.com
A farm letter to members begins by sharing that "Maggie’s Farm was created by a group of friends with a desire to build stronger community relationships while focusing on healthy, nutrient dense foods. We decided that the best way to get started was through a community supported agriculture project, which provides fresh seasonal produce to individuals who purchase a 'share' of the farm."
"We do not use any genetically altered seeds, pesticides or petroleum based fertilizers for our crops. Only traditional farming methods and old-fashioned hard work are used at Maggie’s Farm..."
Maggie's Farm is also collaborating with "the Naturopathic Community Center and the Central Michigan Chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation in Mt. Pleasant to offer bi-weekly cooking and food preparation classes, taught by two members of the farm. Classes will include how to put together meals from seasonal produce, seasoning with herbs, canning, pickling, culturing, bread making and more."
Members can also return food waste to be composted. This reduces the amount of waste going into trash bags and it returns nutrients to the soil, which benefits next year’s crops.
One unique aspect of this CSA is its payment system. Members pay on a weekly basis rather than paying the full amount at the beginning of the growing season when funds are normally brought in to cover the costs of seeds and operations.
Payment Options
- $20 Membership Registration due by March 31st
- $40 Late Registration from April 1st—May 1st
- INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES -- 1/4 Bushel per week -$6
- SMALL FAMILIES (3 OR 4) -- 1/2 Bushel per week -$12
- LARGE FAMILIES (4 OR MORE) -- Full Bushel per week -$24
5139 Polk Road
Remus, MI 49340
(989) 773-1310
mindfulcommunity at gmail.com
Monday, February 18, 2008
Swier Family Farm (CSA - Remus/Barryton)
The Swier Family Farm is a CSA (community supported agriculture) in Mecosta County that is beginning its third year (2008).
From the farm flyer:
"For 18 weeks, June through September, you will receive a 4-12 pound assortment of fresh vegetables and limited flowers. The quantity and variety will vary seasonally. If you like mixed bouquets we have added an additional flower share. We will deliver the produce to central drop-off locations or you can pick it up at the farm. We practice organic methods, though we are not certified."
Payment Options (Due by April 1)
From the farm flyer:
"For 18 weeks, June through September, you will receive a 4-12 pound assortment of fresh vegetables and limited flowers. The quantity and variety will vary seasonally. If you like mixed bouquets we have added an additional flower share. We will deliver the produce to central drop-off locations or you can pick it up at the farm. We practice organic methods, though we are not certified."
Payment Options (Due by April 1)
- $325 Pay full amount
- $55 Flower Share (8 wks. mixed bouquets)
- Contact Chris or Kate for other options or to express interest in pasture-raised chicken, turkey or pork.
I talked with one member of this CSA who really appreciated the experience last year. I know Green Tree (214 N. Franklin St., Mt. Pleasant) is one drop-off point, but you'll need to contact the farm to learn where other drop-offs are.
Want to volunteer? Just contact Chris or Kate about possibilities.
For more information, pick-up the farm's brochure at Green Tree or contact the Swiers (sh-ware).
640 18 Mile Road
Remus, MI 49340
(989) 382-5436
swierfamilyfarm at yahoo.com
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