Local Foods: Buy it or Grow it?

Add comment July 1st, 2009

The local foods movement…There are varied reasons why people are getting involved in locavorism. There are probably many people out there who have no idea what I’m talking about and an equal number who do. Buying and eating local foods — including vegetables, fruits, meats, and dairy — and the reasons for doing so are oftentimes personal. If you search “local foods,” information, markets, reasons why to be a locavore are all over the Internet, airwaves, and in print. 

This effort extends well beyond a local topic. I’ve taken a cue from the calls and questions that bombard the U of I Extension office where I work — there is a lot of local interest in this topic and at its most basic level I’m seeing a resurgence in the interest in vegetable gardening. People out there want to know how to get started, when to get started, and where to get started. U of I Extension Master Gardeners are happy to help you get started. You can reach them Mondays through Fridays at (815) 986.4357. 

I myself, a lifelong tomato grower, am expanding my gardening repertoire to include a broad variety of savories. As a person of science, I’m approaching this year’s garden season as an experiment. I’m using containers and a traditional garden plot with a twist: this year I’m incorporating permaculture techniques. In educating myself about local foods, I’ve become inspired to approach gardening in a more sustainable manner — a manner that is in line with and in the spirit of the local foods movement. I’m minimizing my footprint, so to speak. 

If you’re curious, find trustworthy sources and read about, research and ask questions about local foods. Embrace local foods concepts and embrace the varied reasons for being a locavore, celebrate the return of the small farm, and embrace sustainability. In doing so you will support  efforts to build a more responsible community. You can learn more about permaculture at an upcoming class to be held at theWinnebago County Uof I Extension on July 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information or to register, go to www.extension.uiuc.edu/winnebago.

Planting a connection

Add comment July 1st, 2009

I ran into Mary Cacioppi of Walter Wayne Real Estate at the women’s expo last month and she handed me the card you see above.

Not only is it a business card: It’s seeded paper full of wildflowers. She picked up the idea from someone else and realized how powerful it could be.

She chose the card to show her company’s commitment to the environment: Walter Wayne is building a seven-acre office park called Cherrywood Business Campus near Interstate 90 and Newburg Road, with attracting green and young people in mind.

Features include WiFi, a walking path, a pond fed by rainwater aqueduct, reflective roofing/pavement and windows that open but block heat in the summer and absorb it in the winter.

One engineering firm is interested so far. Phase 1 is expected to be ready in spring 2010; phase 2, fall 2010/spring 2011.

For more information, call Cacioppi at 815-871-8327.