Why would someone take the time or effort required to support sustainable food? Obviously, it can’t always be the most economic choice. Until sustainable options are more abundant, the industrially farmed foods will be cheaper, but they pose potential health risks and come at an expense to the health of the land, air and water. So, by saving now, you might actually be spending a lot more later.
The livestock industry is one of the largest causes of environmental pollution. It contributes to greenhouse gas emmissions, deforestation, and land degradation and water pollution. See this article by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for more.
- Support sustainable agriculture instead of factory farms. By buying organic foods and food grown and raised locally, you cut down on the gas used to transport and support farmers who use environmentally healthy techniques. You can do this by shopping at Farmer’s Markets or Food Co-ops. Both offer regional foods, which means they do not have to travel very far before reaching their destinations. (Don’t forget to bring your re-usable bags!)
- Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). By purchasing the harvest in advance, you are essentially subsidizing the farmer. By cutting out the middleman, costs are lowered for both customer and farmer.
- Stay home and just say no to fast food. Grow what you can and eat at home more often. Herbs and spices are expensive and often go bad before complete usage. By growing your own herbs, you cut out packaging and gas needed to transport them. Not only will you save money on food, but also on transportation. Plus, you’ll be able to control what goes in to your food, and cut down on extra packaging and wrappers.
- Eat out at restaurants that buy sustainable and local foods. Find out which ones serve regional and organic products, and if it’s in walking distance, that’s even better. If not, ride your bike or take the bus. Maybe you can spare yourself from a DUI this time.
- Use a community garden. Find an existing one in your area or start one. There is one right here on campus!
http://www.metrokc.gov/health/hazard/treatedwood.htm
http://pdxbeer.blogspot.com/2007/11/roots-organic-brewery-releases-epic-in.html
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