NA Confidential: The Story of Stuff.

Monday, June 21, 2010

The Story of Stuff.

21 minutes and 25 seconds that can save your life. And mine. And your grandchildren's.

4 comments:

Ann said...: Jeff, this was REALLY interesting and eye-opening. Steve and I just watched it, and Rosie will be watching it, too.

I'd like to see you point the direction to resources and strategies for those of us wanting to be better educated about local economies, renewable resources, and conscientious consumerism.

We recycle, try to be careful about what we buy and where we buy it (and if we need it). What more can the average consumer do?

One thing in particular that concerns me is how is the best way to grocery shop responsibly? We all have to do this. So is it better to shop at Kroger's, Meijer's, Aldis? There are certain things we all need that can't be obtained from local, sustainable sources. What are the best options?; 8:47 AM
Jeff Gillenwater said...: Ann,

I'll try to keep the information flowing. I thought this piece did a nice job communicating about complex issues in easily understandable terms.

K and I have made a bigger commitment to local food this year. Between the farmers market and a CSA, we've been able to eat at least two to three days a week *completely* locally/regionally and cut down on grocery store trips substantially without really even thinking about it.

We get all our veggies, beef, and whatever else we find interesting from the farmers market and get cheese, milk (in glass bottles!), eggs, and a mixed meat package from the Grasshopper CSA, all of which is regional. We pick up our share once a week at Bank Street Brewhouse. We grow our own herbs (purchased from Culbertson Mansion herb sale), are doing some Roma tomatoes this year, and will be adding some other specialty items as we move from containers to raised beds and rain barrels.

I'll work on the question you mentioned but none of the above is difficult (in fact, it's easier as neither the food nor us travel much) or terribly expensive. The economic, health, and social impacts that could happen if everyone just did that are pretty staggering. I've lost ten pounds in two months with just better, local food and some portion control.

You and Steve have a good portion of the overall solution already in place with your work arrangements.

In the mean time, this video explains a little about what to look for in the grocery store. Some chain stores have been experimenting with sourcing some food items regionally.

A next step for us is to do a better job exploring the still locally owned, independent grocery stores in Louisville (Doll's, Burger's). With fewer trips and smaller purchases, the financial and environmental benefits of keeping our business in the Louisville metro should outweigh a few extra miles.

Hopefully, Sunnyside Natural Foods Market opening on State Street will negate the need for those miles as well.; 11:57 AM
B.W. Smith said...: We are loving the local produce now, too, but what do you eat in February? Unless you have a root cellar or canned for the winter...; 11:21 PM
Jeff Gillenwater said...: Grasshopper did a winter CSA last year, all still sourced regionally, with butternut squash, lettuce, greens, sweet potatoes, and some hot house tomatoes.

Some of K's relatives can so we've been fortunate with local green beans, which I love. When we get really lucky, a little deer ends up in our freezer. Some local farmers butcher their own hogs and do some great sausage as well. It's spectacular fresh but frozen works, too.

I've often wondered if there would be a market for locally canned stuff and what the law says about selling it.

We're learning, too, so please pass along any finds.; 12:13 AM