Local Food

It seems like you hear more and more about buying products locally.
I think if at all possible that is a fantastic idea! I happened to have the tv on tonight and a commercial caught my attention. Most of the time I could do without commercials but this one was talking about buying local products and how it effects the local economy which as we all know, Michigan and it's citizens can use all of the help it/we can get!
I don't know much about the Michigan Land Use Institute but I did think that a website linking people to local food and other products was a great idea!
Here is what specifically caught my attention,
(from their commercial and website)

If we all spend just $10 a week
on local farm foods,our regional economy
will grow by nearly $5 million a year!
www.localdifference.org

$10 a week makes a difference of $5 million dollars a year for local economy!
Definitely seems worth trying to do!!

Here is another resource if you are interested in buying and eating local
www.localharvest.org
You can search for CSA's , farmer's markets, restaurants and more!

Be sure to check out both sites when you have a little extra time, there seems to be a lot of info :)

Local and Sustainable

Recently I have been thinking about how important it is to buy local and sustainable products and support the local community and economy.
I learned that there is a community garden in the area and the produce goes to people and families in need. I think this is great!
I also learned that there is no longer a farmer's market in Clare :(

That's really too bad because people in this area could really use fresh, healthy, and maybe even organic products. It is really sad that Clare county was named the least healthy in all of Michigan!!

That concerns me.
I do think that there is so much that could be done to change that though and the community garden is a great start!
I was just reading about a town in Vermont that was struggling and found a way to not only survive but reinvented themselves has become a model for local,sustainable living. They have grown, created jobs, and helped their local economy!
I was inspired just reading about this town!
I know that many in this area are struggling but I truly believe that the same could happen in this area.
Eating locally and sustainably is not only healthy but contrary to some beliefs, it can be affordable, and it helps the local economy.
It's a win-win situation!!

Here is the link to a story about the town of Hardwick Vermont-
http://www.seventhgeneration.com/learn/blog/how-food-saved-town



If you would like find resources for local and sustainable living check out
www.localharvest.com
www.greenpeople.org