As many of you may know
the 8th Day Environment focus group has had an e-zine
for a few months now. The environmental focus group is taking this
opportunity
once again to invite you to join our e-zine. The purpose of this e-zine
list serve is
simple -- to disseminate information, twice monthly focused
specifically on the
Environment. The e-zine topics over the past few months have ranged
from energy
to ecological footprint with our latest focusing on buying local and
organic. We
have received positive responses to those who receive the environmental
e-zine and
want to expand our readership.
Please join us and receive environment focused emails to educate, and
inspire.
Read on to read our latest e-zine.
ENVIRONMENT
E-ZINE #8
Why
Buy Organic?
Organic means that the food is grown in an ecologically sound
manner.
Many boast that organic is healthier, chemical free with no pesticides
or
synthetic fertilizers. A study done on Washington apples found,“After a
five year
period, the study showed that organic growing produced sweeter and less
tart apples,
greater profits for farmers and significant energy savings while
simultaneously achieving
comparable yields."(1) All these considerations are important when
considering
food and energy supplies of the future. If looking to buy organic, look
for the USDA
ORGANIC symbol, to be sure of the integrity of the organic food.
Why
Buy Local?
Buying locally based produce and goods helps to put money back into
the
local economy. Small businesses, farmers, producers, are popping up all
around.
When looking at produce, which is prevalent in these summer
months, one thing to keep
in mind is the miles the food travels.
“Conventional produce traveled on average 1546
miles from the farm to
get to Chicago…locally produced food will travel far fewer miles,
thus
cutting down transportation costs and the associated pollution and
greenhouse gas
emissions.”(2) To buy locally and organically is much
easier in the summer. Try to get
yourself in the habit of going to the
local farmers market or look into opportunities to buy
locally in your
area. Sustain (http://www.localorganic.org/),
although a Chicago based
organization, has contacts and information for all over the country.
They have a
national search
connected to their website. More info on the topic of local and
organic,
including articles and
other resources, can be found at their website. Checking out these and
finding ways that
you can support your local economy will help to create a healthier
environment and
healthier you.
ACTION
To join our email e-zine send an email to
earth8thDay-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
from
the email account that you would like to receive the e-zine.
Notes
1. Clark, T., “Green apples upset cart,” Nature, April 19, 2001.
See http://www.nature.com/nsu/010419/010419-4.html
2. Pirog R., “Food, fuel and freeways: An Iowa perspective on how far
food travels, fuel
usage, and greenhouse gas
emissions,” Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. June
2001.