Newbies with Green Intentions

The hubster and I have done our share of do-gooder attempts at helping the environment.  We have the reusable shopping bags in every car, our thermostat is set on a timer, we grow a fairly large organic garden, we foster rescue guinea pigs, and we recycle. Bottom line – we do respect animals, people, and the environment.  But consistency is key, and we have a long way to go before we earn our green badges.

However, we’ve been hearing more and more disturbing (but not new) information about food production companies and the extent of their harmful and deceptive practices in terms of destruction to the environment; inhumane treatment toward animals and people; ruthless legal practices to monopolize the industry and put small farmers out of work; and their monetary control and power over the federal policy and food monitoring.   For some reason this time it hit a nerve.

We asked ourselves some simple questions.  Where DOES our food come from?  How IS it produced?  Humanely? Naturally?  Are we contributing financially to the unethical companies who have respect for nothing except the almighty dollar?  I admit, we never paid much attention to it, until now.  So we decided its time to make some healthy and ethical lifestyle changes, starting with the switch to organic.

We’re fortunate to live in one of the largest farming counties in Maryland.  We have a half dozen farmers markets to choose from; a great co-op market that sells all local and organic foods; and my company is located next to one of the finest grass fed beef farms on the east coast.  We have no excuses.

Happy grass fed cows!

Is organic more expensive?  Not necessarily, although I have passed a few kidney stones over some prices since starting this venture.  In fact, we discovered that a number of our weekly staples are organic and we didn’t even know it.  It really boils down to what you’re buying and where.  The good news is that organic options are sold in virtually every grocery store in America (look for the USDA symbol), and a little internet research tells us everything we ever wanted to know about the companies producing our food. We’re thinking before we buy and we are in control of choosing what businesses we support, whether they be local farmers and businesses or large ethical companies who work for the greater good.  What a concept!

I realize we’re way behind many who’ve been waving their hippie flags for well over a decade and made it easy for the rest of us.  But it’s never too late to do the right thing.  The green movement is in motion, and going organic and local as much as possible is our first step in the right direction.  Who knows whether our mini contributions will make a difference or not.  We’re doing it because it makes us feel good. That’s exactly what’s needed to turn the system around and make the world a better place for everyone – support from consumers like us…one household at a time, demanding healthier food, humane practices for workers and animals, and respect for the environment.