You will LOVE this site. It’s a one-stop shop (ok site) for everything edible and sustainable. You can spend hours on this site and never get bored, or run out of topics to explore.

What you’ll see when you visit: 

• A gigantic introduction to sustainable eating – issues like why eat sustainable, how to get started with sustainable eating, a handy dictionary, and more are covered.
• Recipes and cookbook reviews. PS the recipes look amazing.
• A huge how-to shopping guide.
• An entire section on sustainable foods in our schools.
• A blog! We love blogs.
• More links then you could EVER imagine. I’m talking resource links to Farmer’s Markets, stores, seafood watch, and so much more.

All in all, there are enough goodies at Sustainable Table to get you on the path to eating right 100% of the time. Visit today.

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes and everything else going on at Tree Hugging Family in October 2008 – that includes Blogtoberfest, (we’re giving away over $7,000 in prizes)!

[image logo via Sustainable Table]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

I agree that organics are insanely high when compared to conventional, but we’ve talked about this before, and your family can eat organic; maybe not on the cheap, but organic foods can be surprisingly affordable using some basic tactics.

1. Don’t shop at Whole Foods. I wish I had a nickel for each “Whole Foods is too expensive” reference I see in organic food articles. Well then, don’t shop there. Currently, they’ve created (or tried to) somewhat of a monopoly on organics and natural foods. I’m not saying ban them, but don’t buy there if you can get it cheaper elsewhere.

For example, in my city, at least five other stores carry organics, many their own USDA certified store brand of organics. These usually cost a fraction of what Whole Foods organics cost. Check around your local stores to see what’s out there.

2. Only buy the organics you need. For instance, cereal comes low on the found pesticide level, you can buy conventional and save a few dollars. Save your cash for organics that actually matter, like apples, cheese, butter, eggs, bell peppers, soy, and so fourth.

3. Eat less meat. Honestly, you should only buy organic meat, which can get expensive, but conventional meat is a big baddie. Eat less, save more.

4. If you’ve got the space, grow some of your own organic food.

5. Buy in season. There’s a reason out of season foods cost more; shipping costs and demand vs. availability. Buying in season saves transport energy and costs less. You don’t need melon year round.

6. Save money elsewhere. For example if you make my Homemade Sugar Body Scrub instead of buying a $25 jar of body scrub, that’s money saved for food which your family needs. You can also do things like sign up for a Weatherization Assistance Programor use less AC and save money that way.

7. Don’t buy junk. Seriously, if you’re buying chips and soda, I don’t even want to hear any. “Organic foods are too expensive” whining. Beans, veggies, and rice can be tasty fun – I swear.

8. Cook it yourself. Cooking a veggie pot pie vs. buying frozen will save you money, lots. In the long run, you can master cooking your own soups, chili, breads, cookies, and more. Believe me, you’ll get faster as you learn (if I can you can).

9. Don’t spend money because you’re tricked. Get to know your labels. In some cases buying a food (or other item) labeled “organic” may mean you’re only getting a food that’s 40% organic. People will say anything to get you to spend more, but it’s not always worth it. For example, you can’t even buy organic fish – did you know that? There’s no standards for organic fish, so don’t waste your money.

For more on labels read:

• Leaping Bunny Eco Symbol
• VeriFlora Eco Symbol
• Green-e Eco Symbol
• USDA Organic

10. Look online. Sometimes bulk ordering organics online can save you money. Sometimes! Check prices, also, you’ll have to contend with the fact of transport energy; but hey, you didn’t have to drive to the store, so bonus.

Places to check:

• Diamond Organics
• Amazon
• True Foods Market
• Organic Kingdom
• See a bigger list here – some links are dead, some not.
• Check your yellow pages. Some organic food delivery services are locally based.

11. Visit your local farmers market at the end of the day, when folks are looking to sell stuff no matter what.

What other ways can you think of to save on organics?

Click here to learn about all the current contests, themes, and green challenges going on at Tree Hugging Family in May 2008

[Store brand O Organics, image via Safeway - one of the local stores in my area carrying lower cost organics]

Post from: Tree Hugging Family

Farmers listen, and they want your business. One book you can suggest, or even give as a gift, is Organic Farming, Everything You Need To Know by Peter V. Fossel.

I gave this book to my dad last year and he loved it. He’s a farmer and he’s looking into organic methods because his customers at the farmer’s market asked for it. See, I don’t make this stuff up . . .

Remember to check out Jennifer’s post on the great BabyBam Collection Organic Baby Supplies contest going on now at Tree Hugging Family.

Post from: Tree Hugging Family