Local Agriculture, Yum!

Many consumers go to the store, pick out their foods and head home without a second thought to where it came from or how it was produced. Many of the fresh items in supermarkets come from what is known as a "factory farm". Even the fruits and vegetables aren't safe - they can be genetically modified or treated with harmful chemicals during their growth.

A factory farm is a large-scale industrial site where many animals are confined in inhumane conditions and are treated with hormones and antibiotics to maximize growth and prevent disease. These farms destroy the ecosystems around them, the ability for local farmers to sustain their livelihood, and are 100% cruel to animals.

A healthier and more responsible way of obtaining fresh products is from your local farmers themselves. You can support your local economy and even find local specialty products at farmers' markets, health food stores, or by joining a CSA.

A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. CSAs usually offer opportunities for their customers to come to the farm for tours and also purchase meat and dairy products, in addition to other goods.

Local Harvest is a great website to find local events, CSAs, farmers markets, and even shop local farms themselves.

Here are some other great resources:

http://www.farmland.org/

http://www.slowfoodusa.org/

http://www.sare.org/

Let's get cookin!

GB

Something For Everyone - Reusable Bags

You can find them anywhere, so there's no excuse! Reusable totes for carrying goods are a great way to reduce your impact on the environment. Even designers like Anya Hindmarch have gotten in on the action by teaming up with Whole Foods to design a special bag for customers.

There are even compact folding bags so that you can keep them handy no matter where you are. Check out the following sites and video and start making a difference today!

http://www.reusablebags.com/

http://www.onebagatatime.com/

www.earthwisebags.com/

These sites are just a few suggestions to get you started on your green path. Simply type reusable bags into any search engine and unlimited possibilities are at your fingertips.

Keep on!

GB

Favorite Product - Klean Kanteen

The Klean Kanteen line of stainless steel beverage bottles is a wonderful addition to any one's collection. Not only do they come in a variety of sizes (from 12oz sippy bottles to 40oz bottles) but they also come in plain silver , and now a variety of colors.

Why Klean Kanteen?

When compared to the many types of beverage toting containers in use today, KK boasts many attractive characteristics. Similar aluminum bottles that have recently become popular have the potential to leach into beverages, which then are consumed by you! Klean Kanteen products are non-leaching, BPA-free (Research has linked toxins such as Bisphenol-A to cancers and reproductive mutations. Plastics leach carcinogens including BPA during use and exposure to heat - such as dishwashing.) reusable, virtually indestructible, leaves no after-taste, and most importantly, gentle on the environment!

See for yourself..... http://www.kleankanteen.com/

Cheers!

GB

Welcome!

Just wanted to say welcome to Green Bean's Guide to Living Green! This blog was created in an effort to spread the word about environmentally friendly products, habits, and ways to make your lifestyle more green. No time like the present, so let's get to it!