Thanks, Kim! I am honored to be invited to contribute to your blog! Jim and I have been members of ELFCO for a long long time! I am now inspired to revisit them! We spent yesterday afternoon at Foods for Living, buying "local" snack items for the children at school this week and also for our own meals at the Farm! We live on 18 acres out in the country about three miles North of Mason. When we first purchased the Farm, it was with the intention of becoming, as much as possible, "self sufficient". I baked all of our bread, and we even raised chickens (for eggs), cattle (for meat) and pigs! Then "Life" happened...and we had five children, Jim's work and the school to take care of.... No time for family, careers and livestock!
We have always eaten and cooked pretty healthfully---but this challenge from Kim (along with her encouragement and inspiration) has caused us to take a look at what we do and how we can do it better. How we can leave less of a carbon footprint AND support Michigan's economy at the same time.
So, in honor of Earth week, and in support of Kim's amazing resolution --- we have committed to eating only Michigan made products, we have discontinued the use of any paper products, and for the month of May, I too will forgo the use of my vehicle for transportation to and from school! I will get dropped off at school in the morning and then bike the 9+ miles home! I had a sample of the route this afternoon and it felt wonderful!
We have recently begun purchasing our meat, chicken and eggs from a local source, Creswick Farms (www.creswickfarms.com) and thoroughly enjoy not only the quality of the products but are also pleased to know that we are taking another step toward buying more of our food locally.
Lindsay, I loved reading all about your family's efforts to reduce your carbon footprint. You GO Lindsay! ---I am honored to be in the company of these totally awesome women!
Here's to friendship, knowledge and mutual growth!
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Oooooh, haven't heard of Creswick Farms, have to go check them out!
ReplyDeleteA while back a friend started a topic about Michigan made food products (like paramount coffee, garden fresh salsa, etc.) Lots of friends contributed until we had a decent Michigan-Made list going. I'll have to talk to her. We should repost that list on here & see what else we can add to it!
There is one available on the Michigan Government website, but it's not very user friendly, or fully comprehensive.
p.s. Ladies, I'm feeling a photojournalism idea coming on. How fun would it be to get a shot of those who take to the bike in May. A candid, en route shot.
Renae - will you please tell us about some of the local foods you're enjoying this week?
ReplyDeleteLindsay - I love the idea of a Michigan-Made list!