Buying Local

With the failing economy, I have tried to become more aware of where my money is going. I want to be more responsible with my spending and support local or US business whenever possible. My mom and I made a New Year's resolution to not by any products made in China for a year. So far, to my surprise, I have been able to keep this resolution. I have found that most products that are made in China, I can find an alternative product. For instance, I wanted a case for my camera so it doesn't get scratched since its home is in my purse. All the camera cases were made in China. Terry and I then shopped some more and were able to find a PDA case made in the USA that works perfect for my camera. Not only did I not buy from China, I also was able to support the United States. Perfect!

Now, I am focusing on buying our food locally. I would rather support a local farmer even if it may be slightly more expensive. We have been buying the majority of our meat from a local butcher shop where the meat is grain fed, free-range, has no steroids and from a farm in northern Oregon. And, as of today, we are getting out milk and eggs delivered (yes, delivered to our doorstep) every other week. It isn't that much more then buying from the grocery store and the milk is organic, and the eggs are free-range and not bleached. I also like the idea of supporting the local farm that delivers and will purchase other necessities from them as needed. They deliver everything from cheese and yogurt to ice cream and cookie dough.

I also have started my seeds for the vegetable garden I have planned. Terry and I hope to work on it this weekend. My plan is to build a fairly large garden on the south side of our house where there is currently gravel. My ultimate goal would be to get a rain barrel next to the garden for watering. Last weekend, I started my broccoli, cabbage, peppers and tomatoes indoors. I have plenty of starts peaking out of the soil already and hope to share the extras with my mom and friends. I am excited to grow our produce this year and hope the growing season is better then last year. It will be rewarding to eat our home grown vegetables knowing they are pesticide free and hopefully save some money during the summer.

I hope I am not sounding like too much of a hippie. I am just excited to eat healthier and keep pesticides out of our bodies. And, I love the idea of doing my part to support local businesses and farms. My plan is to purchase as much as possible from the United States since it is an easy way for me to do my part in helping the economy.