Reading Barbara Kingsolver’s Animal, Vegetable, Miracle book will likely lead most average citizens to experience an incredibly guilty grocery shopping trip at least once before the book is through. I had mine this week. And considering the produce I picked up (organic though it may be) that probably came from California and Mexico, and the meat raised in CAFO’s that will likely hit my table, perhaps some of that guilt is rightfully experienced. The oil burned alone to ship my peppers puts my slight savings from my hybrid car to shame.
However, when I'm overwhelmed with facing a complete lifestyle change (and trust me, becoming a locavore would be a lifestyle change for me) I am reminded of a concept my coworker Laura introduced to me: “Do One Thing”. The idea is simple: it may be hard to completely change one’s life, but if we all just try to do one thing, these actions or “DOTs” can really add up. Then, once your “DOT” becomes a habit, pick a new one!
So maybe I decide to forgo the tempting asparagus that I know cannot be grown anywhere local this time of year, but still pick up my hard to pass up blueberries with a promise to attend my local Farmer’s Market for fresh in-season apples this weekend….. hopefully, with a lot less guilt.
Estimator/Sustainability Coordinator
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