365 Days, 365 Ways...To Go Green

I went to Whole Foods today. I was expecting to talking to the manager about the stores plans to add more locally grown products. Currently I buy my apples and Nana's Salsa as part of their 'buy local program' but I wanted more. They must have read my mind because Maya from Maya's garden was there and she will be selling her fresh produce at Whole Foods! Hip Hip Hurray! I bought to die for carrots, and turnips, some edible flowers and an assortment of greens. We had an amazing feast for dinner that night. I actually ate most of the carrots almost immediately because I haven't had a 'fresh from the garden' veggie for decades. Maya's Garden doesn't sell organic food which seemed to put a few customers off. If you get in that situation ask the farmer about their farming practices. Certifying a farm as organic is a expensive, lengthy practice so many small farmers like Maya practice organic but haven't yet acheived for certification. Buying local and organic has so many benefits......pesticide free food, picked in many cases the day you buy it so it hasn't lost nutrients in transport, it didn't sit in a truck for 1500 miles, you're helping a local business, your health and the environment, plus, it's simply delicious. Buying organic could also be a cure for world hunger according to the associated press. Need I say more? Time to find out where your local farmer's market is, check out the Whole Foods nearest to you or call up you local farmers and ask where the best place is for you to buy their produce. Get to know the people and the place that will be putting food on your table. What a concept!