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Sunday, September 5, 2010

Farmers Markets and Why They Are Better for Green Living...

Yesterday I took a trip to the Westborn Markets in Detroit. For those who don't know I moved to Detroit in February to take advantage of the bottoming housing market, and I haven't looked back sense. Cities like Detroit are perfect for what it is I'm trying to do to help this world out, but I digress.
So while I've been here I've been shopping int he organic sections of some of the larger stores, Meijer's in particular, until I could track down a notable farmers market to meet my needs. I can say that Westborn Markets does that, and then some, so I've decided today to tell you why Farmers markets are better for not only you, but the environment.
Starting with you, if you examine the way you eat, you'll probably notice that if your busy like I am, you tend to eat meals that are convenient. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but what most people give up when shopping for convenience is health, and they don't realize it. Foods filled with preservatives and chemicals not only tax your body, but they sent your immune system into overdrive trying to fight off what your body sees as a harmful invader its not designed to ingest. If you plan ahead, or become what i like to call "food conscious" you can fin a great deal of healthy foods to fill your need for convenience without sacrificing your health or your wallet.
This is where farmers markets come in. A farmers market is very much like a grocery store, only they tend to get their produce locally. I know what your thinking, Detroit's a city, but in fact, the metro area has a good smattering of farms right here! By getting the crops locally, your doing several things. 1) supporting the local economy as opposed to large chains, 2)cutting out the need for preservatives, ans it wont sit stored for any period of time, and 3)cutting down on the transport expense and effectively lowering the price.
Let's examine these closer. If you stimulate the local economy, you effectively giving back to your neighborhood. A lower economy undoubtedly means more desperation, which in turn means a higher crime rate. Not only does stimulating the local economy mean more jobs, it helps lower the crime, thus protecting you in the long run.
Cutting out the need for preservatives means an overall healthier lifestyle. Foods that don't contain preservatives digest better, and boost metabolism, leading to an overall decline in obesity in America. it also means a a decreased chance of getting sick, developing cancer, or contracting some foreign bacterial infection from imported foods.
Decreasing the need for extended transport not only ensures fresher food, but cuts down on pollution created by trucks traveling cross country, and in some cases, even planes burning crap loads of fuel.
So farmers markets are really a win, win, and win all the way around. You win because its cast effective and healthy, your neighborhood wins because its stimulating the economy and promoting community growth, and the planet wins because your cutting down on pollution and illness.

57 comments:

Discerning Gentleman said...

hmm, your post gave me something to think about...

ATM Withdrawal said...

I always shop at my farmer's market... food taste better to me, which is as important as the green effect!

Adrian Larsson said...

The problem is that it is always more expensive!

David Davidson said...

My girlfriend and I love going to these things. Everything just feels more... friendly? Is that how you'd describe it?

Subject Zero said...

You've got some good ideas.

http://jackrainsubjectzero.blogspot.com/

Jellofighter said...

An important topic that isn't discussed well enough in the mainstream media. Good to see.

http://ablightupontheland.blogspot.com/

Annie Smith said...

Good post :)

AdPlusCommunications said...

i used coupons today when i bought food, there for i saved green? amidoinitrite?

Showing some support, great post, keep em coming.

You should VIEW my blog, ;)

http://adpluscommunications.blogspot.com/

Sparrow said...

@Mr. Ekonomi
Not true, while i will say that some things are more costly, on the whole, its generally cheaper. However, given the QUALITY of the product your buying, a few more cents isn't really going to hurt you, but skimping on them, may in the long run.

Viperman said...

I cant buy stuff from a farm where I live :(

Light Weight Baby! said...

very interesting! need moar posts from you...

Sparrow said...

@viperman
Well most farms will set up a small produce stand, but what I'm talking about is a "Farmer's Market" It's like a grocery store only everything is local. do a google search for "farmers Market (your city, State here)" and you'll find some.

You can even search from the search bar on this very site!

Swarmster said...

i stopped by a market on the way to a labor day picnic yesterday, sooo good =)

shirou said...

well said, keep it up..

LoneIslander said...

good advice.

Fons said...

Great information

a Taoist Rover said...

With 'Green' being the new buzz word, it's good to see people out there talk about what it really means. Not just buying that new more expensive brand that says it is green.

Artful Disarray said...

Very interesting--as someone in the holistic/naturopathy vocation so to speak, it's wonderful to see someone taking the act of living truly consciously and healthily seriously.

Barnacle said...

awesome tips as always!

grizz said...

good advice, mate. keep it up!

Anonymous said...

thanks for the tips

hamonrye said...

I really need to try to get down to my local farmer market.

Anonymous said...

Glad I'm not the only one that cares about Earth. Showing a fellow blogger some support!

chancator.blogspot.com

WakeOfBuzzards said...

Good thoughts on the subject, greener is always better!

haybiebs said...

this blog's so great i'm going to have to add it to my morning coffee :) keep it up!

Jimmy Volmer said...

what a great morning read!

Anon said...

I like your blog, keep up!

A musician and gamer said...

awesome

Slumph said...

sweet post my man :D

BKRandy said...

well thought out, supporting!

Anonymous said...

thanks man =)

Baller said...

Great insight!

Mike Cripps said...

good tips :) but use some paragraphs :P

Daniel said...

Showing some almost-daily love.
http://thecrispyguy.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the word!

I'm actually going back to college soon, but I plan on eating much healthier than I have in the recent past.

It's important.

Will Henricson said...

Thank you! :)

AdPlusCommunications said...

You just saved me money again, thanks!

Anonymous said...

agreed

Mutefox said...

I have my own opinion on what the best way of growing food for an entire country is; I just like farmer's markets because they have tasty shit. Keep up the good work though, Clock XD

Tornado Jackson said...

Yeah, your tips and insights are fucking invaluable. That's why I've decided to follow you.

I have a blog as well, which you can follow if you're interested. It's the life story of a badass, modern Pecos-Bill-type character told in daily vignettes. I'm looking for actual readers, rather than just clickers/supporters, so if anyone's interested, feel free to take a look. =)

http://tornadojackson.blogspot.com/

Gabriel said...

Great work here! I'm fortunate enough to live in Berkeley (an organic/local food Mecca). I hope Detroit offers you the healthiest the area has to offer :)

Team Rocketman said...

There is a butcher I get some bacon from and whilst it is more expensive (but not by much) you get better quality throughout and you use less of the meat since it has more quality to it.

Farmers markets are just the same, except with eggs and green food. :)

Come At Me Bro said...

This is awesome!

Ray said...

yeh in some way this post is interesting..

Following and supporting ya !

http://ray-thefail.blogspot.com/

Viperman said...

i did what you said I found a few places, so I'll give it a shot and see how it is.

Thanks man.

cthon98 said...

I wholeheartedly endorse supporting your local farmers markets. Not JUST because I myself am a farmer.

With Love, Janet said...

Such a great reading piece..Loved every word... We had a garden this year and it was so nice..and HEALTHY to know what we were eattin and what was on it... This is all good. Lancaster county has great Farmers Markets! This is all NOT new new's..It is old news that is good news forgotten!@!!! Hugs to Sparrow from Delaware!!!

AdPlusCommunications said...

great read!

Complex said...

Nice blog you've got here. Stopping by and showing my support.

Jehrin said...

Really good article, liked it alot

One Hot Minute said...

lol good article, interesting

Mike Cripps said...

good ideas!

MVTM said...

*Hugs*
also, you should send me the script for the popout comments :3

http://recordsanon.blogspot.com/

Joris van der Mark said...

nice post man =)
good luck with the rest of your blog!

Spilii said...

Nice post man. Never been to a farmers market

Lemmiwinks said...

Cool story, bro! Following and supporting!

http://the-state-of-human-intelligence.blogspot.com/

Dick McHardcheese said...

I don't consider myself a "green" person. But I do agree with what you posted here. Farmer's Markets being revenue into your local economy, rewarding harvesters for their hard work as well as the obvious benefit of having less contaminates compared to grocery store bought food. Although the effects of preservatives on the body is debatable, the flora in your body comes mainly from your immediate environment, so usually it's healthier for your body to process it. Excellent post sir and fantastic blog!