Environmentally Concerned Citizens of South Central Michigan
 
 

 

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

Stockman Grass Farmer

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