Buying organic, local, and fair trade etc

[aurora77]

What is your definition of a “factory farm” and how are animals being treated in ways do you object to?

There are a number of chicken plants near my parents’ home. We used to see the trucks with cages all crammed together driving down the road, feathers flying. It just made me so uncomfortable to see them. Again, I know they are just chickens, but it’s still discomforting.

 

[jmcrae]

Responsibility, no on the first two. You can make a very good point on number three being grave matter if you know about an abuse of humans and don’t take advantage of another supplier that doesn’t abuse humans.

Good idea on the first two, yes. I’ve never eaten organic, though…so I’m not really sure what it entails. From what I understand, it’s simply not using fertilizers and pesticides to grow the food (I won’t use the term “chemical” here, because everything is a chemical, some just have the elements arranged in a man-made fashion (sorry, pet peeve of mine from when I was a chemistry major)).

Organic food is grown in soil, outdoors, and using non-harmful (to the crop) methods of pest control, such as introducing birds, etc., to eat the insects, and using natural fertilizers. It actually tastes better than hydroponic food, but it’s way more expensive because a lot more of it gets eaten by insects (despite the birds), and also rabbits, etc.

I also agree that reducing trucking of everything everywhere is a good idea. Considering most big rigs get about 9 mpg, keeping a few off of the road is a good idea if we can avoid it by how we make purchasing decisions.

I wonder how much gas would be saved if everyone ate “hundred mile meals” as often as possible (food that was 100% produced within a hundred miles of the location of the dinner table).

 

[maria29]

I highly recommend watching Our Daily Bread . Its’ a documentary about where our food comes from. And while its mostly European countries that are shown, I can’t imagine our ways are that much different

 

[fbl9]

Hi fbl9.

I’m not offended, but hey thanks for posting. I read a lot of “animal issues” stuff daily and I am well and truly aware that the extremists and anthropomorphisers (I spelled it right this time!) are out there … even though I often agree with the ends they’re trying to achieve, I wish they were trying to achieve them for saner and more balanced reasons. I am from a farm and farm country and unlike some people I do believe it is possible to have humane farming. (Even if I personally would prefer to keep sheep and chooks as companions rather than dinner. )

what is a humane way to stop a 1400 pound animal chasing you with the intent to stomp you into the ground till you are not moving? the joys of calving season.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

what is a humane way to stop a 1400 pound animal chasing you with the intent to stomp you into the ground till you are not moving? the joys of calving season.

**Well, you could always adapt the “advice” my hubby was given about bears before having to go into the mountains…

Just back away slowly and speak calmly… “whoa bear, nice bear…whoa bear…”

cows (or bulls) are much gentler creatures than bears so it should work like a charm **

 

[Calliso]

I highly recommend watching Our Daily Bread . Its’ a documentary about where our food comes from. And while its mostly European countries that are shown, I can’t imagine our ways are that much different

Is it a movie you have to buy? I couldn;t see anywhere to watch it on the site. Just a trailer or two and a few pictures. And yeah I donlt think our ways are too much different. However I donlt think in European countries they allow hormones to be given to animals…at least not the growth one. Actually I think we are one of the only developed nations that does…

 

[fbl9]

**Well, you could always adapt the “advice” my hubby was given about bears before having to go into the mountains…

Just back away slowly and speak calmly… “whoa bear, nice bear…whoa bear…”

cows (or bulls) are much gentler creatures than bears so it should work like a charm **

i see lol.
i think i would rather take my chances with a bear than a angry cow…

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

i see lol.
i think i would rather take my chances with a bear than a angry cow…

me too, lol. I used to have a horse on my grandparents farm and they had some cattle. Well, the bull decided that he was in love with my horse and wouldn’t let me near her…no fun!!!

 

[peregrinus_WA]

One thing I am going to do is start looking at some of the local shops for things (there looks like there is a myriad of shops in places like Ferndale)

One thing I buy in winter is scented candles since I cannot open windows. Right now, I usually go to Meijers or the Mall to buy those. I checked on-line and there looks like there are a couple shops near I used book store I frequent.

Speaking of used book store, I usually check there for some of the books I am interested in before I go to the big chains or Amazon.

 

[peregrinus_WA]

I gotta believe you are surrounded by good kosher butchers.

That is probably true (I take it you know the area I live to say that). The only one I know of is in West Bloomfield near the Outback just north of Maple on Orchard lake.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

One thing I buy in winter is scented candles since I cannot open windows.

**
100% pure besswax candles clean the air, burn clean (emit no harsh toxins like other candles…they burn right away, no puddles of wax left) and don’t rely on fake scents to make things seem fresh. They also have a longer burn time. And the producers usually use small farms for the wax. Check around online if you’re interested.**

 

[mmt4]

I think our first responsibility is to our individual families, our local area, and then to work outward. So where possible, as long as it does not bankrupt my family, I buy locally.

This sums it up for me as well.

I must say I am pleased that our Costco carries good fair trade coffee at a great price. We also got locally raised grass fed beef that is quite tasty and not too much more than what we pay at the supermarket on sale. I think it averaged out to $3.40/lb and we got about a little less than 1/2 of it as ground beef and the other half as steaks and roasts, wrapped, frozen, labeled, and divided. We split 1/2 cow with neighbors but we think we will get our own 1/2 cow next year.

I have been entertaining the idea of raising chickens. Dh said he would build me a coop. We have to move in 2 years though.

I have a small vegetable garden during our short growing season and really am flying by the seat of my pants with it. But I hope to teach my kids how to raise their own vegetables. I started it because the supermarket is so expensive and the veggies have little flavor.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

I must say I am pleased that our Costco carries good fair trade coffee at a great price.

And I think the more we as consumers demand these items the more they will be provided.

We also got locally raised grass fed beef that is quite tasty and not too much more than what we pay at the supermarket on sale.

Right, no one should go bankrupt trying to live by the principle only…but sometimes all it takes is a little searching and you can find better products for the same or just a little more than what was already being spent.

I have a small vegetable garden during our short growing season and really am flying by the seat of my pants with it. But I hope to teach my kids how to raise their own vegetables.
**
I loved my grandma’s huge garden when i was a kid. Nothing like fresh fruit and produce that you have watched grow!!! What a great gift for your children:thumbsup:**

 

[mmt4]

My oldest wants to do sugar snap peas! Yum! I think we will do carrots and cherry tomatoes for the younger ones.

Its a challenge to have a veggie garden in the desert/high central plains, but I guess it helps us learn ALL about growing vegetables! We do not lack for sunshine, at least.

 

[peregrinus_WA]

One of the things I am going to check out is the one of the local supermarket chains which is called Hiller’s There is only about a half dozen stores. There is also a couple more that are springing up since Farmer Jack closed.

I am also going to start looking at local shops for things that I usually by in the larger stores. One item in particular, if I can find it, is a place that will blend and sell bulk teas. I prefer more of a orange pekoe tea compared to the common teas that have too much black tea in it.

 

[Feanaro_s_Wife]

I am also going to start looking at local shops for things that I usually by in the larger stores. One item in particular, if I can find it, is a place that will blend and sell bulk teas. I prefer more of a orange pekoe tea compared to the common teas that have too much black tea in it.

If you’re ok with online shopping, check out MountainRoseHerbs for teas…and LOTS of other stuff…it’s an amazing site:thumbsup:

 

[SeekerJen]

One of the things I am going to check out is the one of the local supermarket chains which is called Hiller’s There is only about a half dozen stores. There is also a couple more that are springing up since Farmer Jack closed.

My advisor loves Hiller’s- especially the special British food section (advisor is from the UK). I’ve never shopped in one myself as there isn’t one convenient for me, but everyone I know who has shopped at a Hiller’s says very good things about the experience.

I need another pound of unsalted butter if I’m going to finish my Christmas cookie baking. We’re also almost out of cottage cheese, and I wouldn’t say no to some good eggnog and peppermint ice cream. Looks like it’s time to make a trip to the Calder Dairy store.

 

[psr13]

I did a search for farms in Wisconsin since we’re moving there soon. I came up with a lot within a few hours drive that seem to have some good stuff for a pretty good price. One has that cooperative thing where you pay a certain amount and get a bag full of veggies and fruits every week. However, they also do it where if you work for them for four hours a week you get it for free. I think dh will be pushing up his sleeves. That one isn’t as far away, so it wouldn’t be a huge thing to get there. One has bison. I’ve always wanted to try that, and it isn’t much more than beef I’ve seen. These are all farms that are family owned, and the meat is all grass fed I believe.

 

[SeekerJen]

I did a search for farms in Wisconsin since we’re moving there soon. I came up with a lot within a few hours drive that seem to have some good stuff for a pretty good price. One has that cooperative thing where you pay a certain amount and get a bag full of veggies and fruits every week. However, they also do it where if you work for them for four hours a week you get it for free. I think dh will be pushing up his sleeves. That one isn’t as far away, so it wouldn’t be a huge thing to get there. One has bison. I’ve always wanted to try that, and it isn’t much more than beef I’ve seen. These are all farms that are family owned, and the meat is all grass fed I believe.

That co-op sounds like a great idea. Four hours a week for free produce, that’s a great deal. Oh, and bison is terrific.

 

[psr13]

Seriously. Four hours is not really that much. Fruits and veggies usually cost a pretty penny, especially the good stuff.