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Sustainable
Alternatives
See 2 important studies by the Union of Concerned Scientists on the benefits
of pasture-based meats:
Greener
Pastures -- [excerpt] "...most cattle in the United
States spend significant parts of their lives in crowded feedlots with
hundreds or thousands of other animals, eating feed that contains large
amounts of grain (primarily corn). While cattle on pasture rarely get
sick, those confined to feedlots and fed grain are prone to disease and
most feedlot operators routinely feed antibiotics to prevent illness and
to accelerate growth. This, in turn, increases the risk of antibiotic
resistance in humans. In addition, air and water pollution stemming from
dust and mountains of feedlot manure, and the many fertilizers and pesticides
used in grain production, exact a heavy toll on the environment and the
health of farmers, farm workers, and nearby residents.
Fortunately, there are better ways to raise food animals. Raising cattle on pasture lessens environmental damage, improves animal health, and reduces antibiotic use."
Greener Eggs & Ham -- [excerpt] "The benefits to producers who raise hogs and poultry on pasture include lower costs, lower capital needs, the ability to produce in season, less exposure to airborne hazards, and fewer objections from neighbors regarding odors and pollution. Consumers benefit from less exposure to antibiotic-resistant microbes, better tasting products (mainly due to the use of heritage breeds of hogs and chickens), and the knowledge that less environmental damage occurred in the production of the food."
Local Harvest
Lists markets, co-ops and grocery stores with local foods, organic restaurants,
etc.
Community Supported Agriculture
CSAs, Michigan only
Michigan
Organic Food and Farm Alliance
(MOFFA)
Pdf lists by county of farmers'
markets and other businesses
that sell local and organic products
MSU list of farmers markets
Michigan Travel's list of farm markets
Organic Consumers
In addition to farmers markets, coops, restaurants, this site also lists
organic products, current news articles on sustainable ag
Sweetwater Market
- Muskegon
"Michigan's first" to exclusively sell products from humanely
raised animals and fruits & vegetables grown in an ecologically sound
manner."
"Taste the Local Difference" for NW Michigan - MI Land Use Institute
Vegetarian
Michigan
Lists restaurants, co-ops, health food stores, retailers, etc. that carry
local and organic foods
West Michigan FRESH
This site has a pdf and an on-line searchable guide for all of west Michigan
Select
Michigan Program - Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA)
The site provides a hard copy Directory of Farm Markets, U-Picks, Cider
Mills, etc. and allows on-line searches by county or city for markets
or product. There is also an FAQ
on markets listed.
USDA list of Michigan Farmers Markets
Michigan Sustainable Agriculture and Research links
Sustainable Table
-- helping consumers make healthy choices to create a sustainable food
system
Slow Food
-- what you eat shapes the rural landscape around you
Michigan Land Use Institute -- see special issue on Entrepreneurial Agriculture
The Humane Society of the United States
Grazing Links-- on grazing, seasonal dairying alternatives, from Minnesota Dept. of Ag
Island Press
-- major publisher of environmental, sustainable agriculture books
see especially --
Fatal Harvest: The Tragedy of Industrial Agriculture,
ed. by Andrew Kimbrell
Ecoagriculture: Strategies to Feed the World and Save Wild
Biodiversity, by Jeffrey A. McNeely and Sara J. Scherr
Farm as Natural Habitat: Reconnecting Food Systems with Ecosystems,
ed. by Dana L. Jackson and Laura L. Jackson