Recently I started purchasing all of my groceries organic and/or local. I started off the semester slowly adding in one thing a week that was organic/local to see how much it affected my budget and my physical/emotional health. This last visit I purchased all organic, and between the beginning of the semester and now I have added approximatley $10 or less to my grocerie money a week, making my total between 30-40 (depending on the week and how much I have run out of).

Benefits:

I have so much more energy. This semester has been a bit of insanity for me, but I know the food I have been eating has increased my energy and my general outlook on daily life.

Did you know cheddar cheese is white! I have noticed a significant increase in color to my food. Maybe the cheddar cheese being white wasn’t the best example. This may not mean much to you, but being an art student it means a lot.

Protein. I am a vegetarian. Turns out the vegetables and beans that naturally should supply you with high amounts of protein are not as efficient when sprayed with chemicals/fertilizers.

Flavor. I am one who truly just loves to taste food. The flavor difference between the two is incredible. I would say the biggest difference I have noticed comes from the cheese and bread. I buy local bread-meaning fresh. I suggest you try those first, you won’t want to go back.

Ethics. As a Christian we are called to care for our land. From the classes I have taken at school on  environmental studies and ecology, alongside my hightened interest in the subject, I have learned a great deal about the current agricultural practices of the United States (and much of the world.) These practices are not sustainable, and do great harm to the Earth, and the creatures that inhabit it - including humans.

Drawbacks:

It is a bit more pricey, but like I said it has only added $10 to my budget. I buy the necessities. Then I try one new thing a week just for fun. Buyign the essentials also allows you to be creative, and try out new things with what you have. I suggest this website if you prefer someone else to give you ideas : http://www.supercook.com/

Shopping take a bit more time; specifically if you are not buying from an organic store. We are lucky to have earth fare by school, but occasionally I purchase items from Kroger. Kroger tends to take a bit more time to buy from, but even the large coorpate stores have begun to add more organic and local products. You also have to be careful what organic you are buying. I have taken an extra step to try and buy in season and in the states -particularly the states closer to where I live. After all you have to consider the price it takes to bring the product to you. Fare trade is always a good option if you can not buy local.

Overall I truly find this new lifestyle worth it. Yes I would say it is a lifestyle. It truly changes how you view the things on your plate and the lives of those who helped put it there. The majority of the world spends over 90% of their income on food. In the U.S. the average family spends approximately 5-6% on food.

World thoughts.

What are you doing to change your food-print?

Two forever families found their children today! But many are still searching, and many little ones are still waiting. A few of the kids have been waiting a long time: Phillip, William, Eliana, Noah, Lucy, Claire, Josiah. Could you make this their special year?

life is a journey. goodbyes are almost never for forever and hello’s follow soon after