Happy Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, I’d like to give you a couple of ideas to eat in a more “sustainable” way. Sure, we hear the term “sustainable” all of the time. But the truth of the matter is that most of our Western agricultural practices degrade our environment and deplete our soil. What’s the direct consequence for me and you? Our food supply is becoming less nutrient dense than it was 50 years ago. That means our carrots and tomatoes contain fewer vitamins and minerals per serving.
The good news is that one of the best solutions is to buy more food locally. You can do this by frequenting your local farmers markets. Check out Local Harvest’s Website. They provide a search option which allows you to locate all of the farmers markets near your zip code. I searched under my zip code, 02138, and found several markets within walking distance. I’m fortunate to have two Harvard Farmer’s Markets right outside my doorstep. Each market is listed with a brief summary, upcoming events and activities, the location, operating hours, and contact information. You can also access tips and recipes by simply clicking on the various produce offerings.
Another fantastic option for buying local is to join a CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. Check out this website for information on joining a CSA in your neighborhood.
Remember, we only have one earth on which to live. Treat it well! Eating locally isn’t just sustainable, it’s delicious.