As more and more people are becoming aware of the benefits of organic foods, more decided to buy organic foods themselves. This is in fact a great way to help the environment as well as to help support American farmers and ranchers. One of the hardest things about buying organic foods however, is finding them. While you can go online and find quite a few organic products, finding them in your local area can be challenging. One of the best ways for you to find them is to find farmer’s markets.
A farmer’s market is basically a market where local farmers and ranchers sell their products to the public. They attend the market to getPassed up on the locally available items. The presentation goes on too long, the farmers don’t get enough attention to facilitate a good price.
To find a good farmers market in your area, check out the listings on websites that run the weekly or monthly farmer’s markets in your area. You should be able to find at least a few of the markets where you live or work.
The types of foods you can find at a farmers market in your area will include all those items listed above. They also will have fresh baked goods, organic eggs, juices, jams, and many more. Often they will also carry locally grown wines, homemade breads and many other items not only at the farmers market, but also in nearby areas.
You can also grow your own foods in your backyard. Get your kids involved in packing their own lunches. Encourage them to use more of the foods you bring, they will definitely appreciate the extra nutrition as well as it is a great chance to earn some extra pocket money.
If you aren’t sure about growing your own foods, don’t worry. You don’t have to buy a garden, or a large amount of vegetables and fruits. You don’t even have to grow vegetables to eat. Just a little of those items listed above can already make a huge difference in your meals. The Yogurt Spree Club and the package of frozen fruits and veggies in the spice aisle can easily be converted into a mid-week dinner dinner dinner that serves family and friends.
Speaking of free-range poultry, the welfare of the little fellow is definitely the major issue here. No chicken is an open source for disease. But they are also very expensive when compared to the more humane treatment of the other breeder slaves. And now that they have been classified as animals, Interestingly enough, kosher certification is required by the USDA and full compliance inspection is an additional must.
The average vegetarian has probably heard about the benefits of vegetarian cooking and it is good to know that their meat-based meals do not have such a negative impact on the environment. But there are additional issues, and arguably much better for our health, the issues of food-aging, and the issues of meat quality. Indeed, it is such an integral part of a company’s bottom line, that they make it a point to ensure that their suppliers are providing clean, and chemical free fresh foods.
But not all food sources are up to the mark. In cases where food has an extended shelf life, it is important that the food is packaged properly and that the packaging is air-tight. For products that have to be refrigerated or frozen, it is also important that adequate storage entrees are developed. Often, customers will opt to purchase organic foods when they are lower in cost. This is important for a number of reasons. First, they are less expensive. This may seem like a smart business decision, but in reality it has a huge impact on the environment. Second, in order to reduce food spoilage, safe meat production is also important. Otherwise, portions will increase as compared to other meat sources. In addition, cattle are often given growth hormones or antibiotics so that the animal can grow faster. Best-quality beef is one of the few positives to come from beef production.
A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists in March of 2008, found that organic milk produced was 8 percent more nutritious and richer in omega-3 fatty acids than conventional milk. Also, organic milk production is more energy efficient than conventional milk production. The energy savings are due to the endeavor of developing local supplies. Small amounts of energy are saved as well as Natural Gas and electrical service are used for the storage and delivery.
The Internet offers a plethora of incentive programs for farmers and producers looking to start a green movement. One of the programs run by the Sierra Club is called “Meat the Cleaner You”. The programs are designed to encourage people to clean their own plates, cut their meat consumption, andovy clean their land. In exchange, you receive a dozen meatballs and a plastic baggie for your trouble.
