Save Money and the Planet - Buy Local Eat Seasonal

Walking into your typical supermarket can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you are trying to eat as locally and organically as possible. For packaged goods, you have to read everything and know the difference between organic and natural as there is a HUGE difference. When it comes to produce, you have to be on the lookout for the country of origin. If you are shopping organic to save the environment and cut back on carbon waste, then buying an organic tomato from Mexico, that has to be air freighted to the states is hypocritical to say the least, not to mention quite costly. On average, an organic tomato vs a conventionally grown local tomato can cost up to two times as much! So how do you buy organic and local without tapping into the kids college fund?
EAT SEASONAL
Sure, come April I am craving watermelon. When I was pregnant it was even worse. That was all I ever wanted to eat. I admit, I caved a few times - then was left to feel guilty and not satisfied with the imported, under ripe and tasteless version of my summertime favorite. More than half of what you pay for when you buy nonseasonal produce is the cost of transportation. US watermelons are grown throughout 44 states and are at their peak during the month of August. By purchasing locally grown watermelon, you are not only helping your local economy you are helping to decrease pollution from transportation.
SHOP AT FARMERS MARKETS
Across the US there are hundreds of farmers bringing their produce to a town near you. Farmers markets are a great place to purchase seasonal, local and often organic produce. Not only do you get to meet the farmer, you get produce that was harvested hours before your arrival. Farmers markets also tend to be a cheaper way for you to buy produce because there is less overhead for the farmer and you are bypassing the middleman.
JOIN A CSA
CSA's or Community Supported Agriculture is the closest one can get to owning a farm without having to do all the dirty work, unless of course you want to. In CSA's, the farmers sell shares of their produce before the harvest season begins. Members pickup boxes of harvested produce weekly. I have belonged to two different CSA's here on Long Island over the past four years and nothing comes close to being able to go to the farm where the food was grown and either pick your own or have it lined up there for you to take. . I cannot express how beautiful it is to see parents with their children walking through fields, picking their own fresh berries or basil. It is such a powerful way to gain appreciation for food and to teach respect for our planet and each other.
START YOUR OWN VEGETABLE GARDEN
Even black thumbs can be successful starting an organic vegetable garden. You should have your soil tested before you begin to make sure that the acidity is in check for what you want to grow. After that, it is a good idea to have either started your own compost or buy organic compost to enrich the soil. Buying and starting from seeds is the most affordable though, you can also start with seedlings or plants, both of which can be bought at almost any garden center. My first vegetable garden was a huge success - so much so that my neighbors, close friends and relatives all reaped the benefits and enjoyed zucchini, eggplant, peppers and tomatoes all season long and neither of my thumbs are green.
The Local Harvest Website is a great resource to search for local farmers markets in your area, CSA's and even what produce is grown locally in your region and when it is in season. Teach your children to think about where their food comes from by taking them shopping with you, to the farmstand or farm. These experiences now will prove to be rewarding later on.