Shop local, Buy Local

Before we were talking about shoping at your local stores as a way to support your community and cut down on the gas usage. Another method is to buy local.



Buying local produce means for less food miles or ground for the food to be shipped over before reaching the store. As gas prices continue to rise, it will cease to be as economical to ship all our produce from Peru or California. Plus, local produce doesn't need to be picked as far in advance, so the vegetables are fresher and taste better!



Not everyone has experience in growing a vegetable garden, so many people don't know whats grown in their local climate and when it is in season. Epicurious has an awesome interactive map which shows you what produce is in season for your area. It also gives you ingredient descriptions, shopping guides, recipes, and tips for each item listed.



You can also visit your local farmers markets. Here in Chicago, we have various markets all over the city. Click here for a list of all the markets around the city.



We also have the Green City Market, a fully organic not-for-profit farmers market.



Located at the south end of Lincoln Park, the market is open almost every Wednesday and Saturday from 7am - 1:30 pm. Here is a calendar of their events. Sign up for the Green city mailing list here!

So go get shoppin!