EcoMoms: August 2007

Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

DID YOU KNOW?

The average grocery store’s produce travels nearly 1500 miles from the farm to your fridge.

WHAT MOMS CAN DO:

IDEA #1: Buy local! Summer is a great time to take advantage of the Janesville Farmer’s Market. You can meet the farmer who grew your food, pay affordable prices that actually help support the farmer and farm families, and teach your children where food really comes from. The Farmer’s Market runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October 27 between the 100 and 200 blocks of Main St.

Farm stands or farm markets are another great way to go local. Skelly’s Farm Market, at 2713 Hayner Road in Janesville, is open from 9-6. They also operate 3 farm stands in Janesville and one in Edgerton. More information can be found at www.skellysfarmmarket.com. Meyer’s Farm Market is also open from 9-6 daily, at 1329 E. M-H Townline Road in Milton. You can find local produce and all-natural local beef at Basics Cooperative, 1221 Woodman Road, just off of Milton Ave. You might also consider buying a share of a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farm. As a member, you receive a box of farm-fresh produce every week or every-other-week during the Wisconsin growing season.

IDEA #2: Grow your own veggies. This can be a great learning experience for the whole family. The distance from the “farm” to your fridge could be measured in feet instead of miles! For ideas, peruse the sites at www.organicgardening.com or www.cdcg.org/goOrganic.html.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT:

•Transporting food such vast distances results in increased burning of fossil fuel. Fossil fuel releases pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change, acid rain, smog, and air pollution.

•Food processors use a great deal of packaging to keep food fresh for the amount of time it takes to transport it. Excess packaging means more waste in our landfills, waste that does not go away.

•Fresh food from local farms is healthier because it doesn’t spend days in transit, during which time nutrient loss is occurring. There is also less chance of wilt and rot happening.

•We are losing small farms in this country at an alarming rate. The U.S. loses TWO ACRES of farmland each MINUTE. By buying local, you support farms and farm families in our area and help prevent rural communities from disappearing.

•When you purchase food at the grocery store, only 3.5 CENTS of each dollar actually ends up in the farmer’s pocket. In contrast, if you buy from a farm stand or market, most if not all of your money spent goes directly to the farmer.



This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel, 18 months. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.