I've been looking for fabric made in the U.S. I knew it would be difficult, but I didn't realize how difficult it would be. I mean, shouldn't there be an artisan out there who specializes in this?
According to the National Cotton Council only 5% of fabric in the U.S. was domestic in 2007. That was down 10% from 2005. There are no statistics for 2008-2009. I wonder if ANY fabric is produced in the U.S. anymore.
Now, our cotton industry was built around slavery so I have somewhat mixed feelings about cotton in the states. On one hand cotton was a major contributor to the growth of our nation. On the other hand cotton fell apart a long time ago. After the Civil War the south was already having problems with their economy due to the international drop in cotton prices, so the problem with cotton isn't really a new problem. But still, isn't it a bit odd that we have almost no domestic fabric anymore?
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Early Round-Up
I was looking at another blog in which the author is doing the 100 mile diet. I've never aimed for a 100 mile diet (New Mexico was way, way to spread out for that) but I did aim for 500 miles. Reading Gavin's post, I found it interesting that he's including % of local in his weekly accounts. So, even if you're not particularly interested in my local percentage rates, I am, and I think keeping myself accountable by putting the figures online will help me figure out where I am with staying on track. I'd like to get to about 90% local.
Saturday 1/9
Breakfast: N/A
Lunch: I don't remember, scavenged from refrigerator
Dinner: Lasagna. Noodles (not local). Sauce (home canned :) the last :( of my tomatoes this year) veggies (all Boston organics), three types of cheese (all not local) Cost, about $30 for 4 meals.
Total: 70%
Sunday 1/10
Breakfast: Eggs (scrambled with cheese and milk) Eggs from the farm stand (Natick Farm where I work) cheese (semi-local) and milk (local, organic) and sourdough waffles. Starter, flour, eggs, milk (all local), powdered milk, (not local, but organic) sugar (not local, but organic, baking soda (not local)
Dinner: Lamb pot pie (From Earth to Table cookbook). Lamb (From U.S. but possibly conventionally grown, bought at Foodies) Veggies (local and bought at a farm stand) broth (non-local but organic) pie crust (organic but not local, bought from Whole Foods). Cost: $15 for two meals.
Total: 60%
Monday 1/11
Breakfast: N/A
Lunch: Leftover Lasagna
Snack: Fruit (Boston Organics, semi-local)
Dinner: More leftover Lasagna
Total: 70%
Tuesday 1/12
Breakfast: Boiled eggs (at the farm, from the chicken practically) Salt (Should I count this?)
Lunch: Made at the farm, all from the farm, yum.
Dinner: Broccoli Cheese soup (this one didn't come out as well as last time :( Broccoli (Boston organics) Cheese, (non-local, non-organic, Husband picked it up for me) broth (salvaged from pot pies and pork roast) $5 for 1 1/2 meals (would have been 2 but my husband liked it enough to eat two bowls).
Total: 90%
Wednesday 1/13
Brunch: eggs from the farm and leftover soup
Dinner: Out, going to Stammtisch so we'll eat at the restaurant.
Total: 40%
Thursday (as planned)
Breakfast: Picked up on the way to the farm, non-local.
Lunch: Farm fare, 90% local and organic (sometimes they throw in noodles or rice)
Dinner: Leftover lamb pot pie.
Total expected: 50%
Total Cost: Approximately $100
Total Local: 60%
While I realize this is a somewhat guestimated calculation, it's as close as I can get to realistic without becoming too anal retentive. No idea yet what I'll do about Friday. I'm possibly make another loaf of bread and buy some local cheeses. I still have to use up a brassica, carrots, turnip, and some lettuce.
Saturday 1/9
Breakfast: N/A
Lunch: I don't remember, scavenged from refrigerator
Dinner: Lasagna. Noodles (not local). Sauce (home canned :) the last :( of my tomatoes this year) veggies (all Boston organics), three types of cheese (all not local) Cost, about $30 for 4 meals.
Total: 70%
Sunday 1/10
Breakfast: Eggs (scrambled with cheese and milk) Eggs from the farm stand (Natick Farm where I work) cheese (semi-local) and milk (local, organic) and sourdough waffles. Starter, flour, eggs, milk (all local), powdered milk, (not local, but organic) sugar (not local, but organic, baking soda (not local)
Dinner: Lamb pot pie (From Earth to Table cookbook). Lamb (From U.S. but possibly conventionally grown, bought at Foodies) Veggies (local and bought at a farm stand) broth (non-local but organic) pie crust (organic but not local, bought from Whole Foods). Cost: $15 for two meals.
Total: 60%
Monday 1/11
Breakfast: N/A
Lunch: Leftover Lasagna
Snack: Fruit (Boston Organics, semi-local)
Dinner: More leftover Lasagna
Total: 70%
Tuesday 1/12
Breakfast: Boiled eggs (at the farm, from the chicken practically) Salt (Should I count this?)
Lunch: Made at the farm, all from the farm, yum.
Dinner: Broccoli Cheese soup (this one didn't come out as well as last time :( Broccoli (Boston organics) Cheese, (non-local, non-organic, Husband picked it up for me) broth (salvaged from pot pies and pork roast) $5 for 1 1/2 meals (would have been 2 but my husband liked it enough to eat two bowls).
Total: 90%
Wednesday 1/13
Brunch: eggs from the farm and leftover soup
Dinner: Out, going to Stammtisch so we'll eat at the restaurant.
Total: 40%
Thursday (as planned)
Breakfast: Picked up on the way to the farm, non-local.
Lunch: Farm fare, 90% local and organic (sometimes they throw in noodles or rice)
Dinner: Leftover lamb pot pie.
Total expected: 50%
Total Cost: Approximately $100
Total Local: 60%
While I realize this is a somewhat guestimated calculation, it's as close as I can get to realistic without becoming too anal retentive. No idea yet what I'll do about Friday. I'm possibly make another loaf of bread and buy some local cheeses. I still have to use up a brassica, carrots, turnip, and some lettuce.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Back to Food
Waffles. Sourdough waffles.
I wasn't quite sure what to do with my growing sourdough started. I've been cooking more, which means fewer bread/cheese/salami nights. Gerd doesn't seem to mind yet, but I'm sure he'll want a German dinner sooner or later. So I'm keeping that starter going, but I hate to throw away extra dough.
I ran across a blog that had a link to sourdough recipes. I made the blender waffles, and although I consider adding a bit of baking soda to the mix cheating, they were sooo good (and quick)! I can't wait to try out more recipes.
Meanwhile my Nature Mill composter is grinding away. It's a bit louder, at times, than I expected. Usually there's just a little electric hum in the background, but when it mixes stuff up there are cranks and clunks and who knows what coming from the box. I dared to open it yesterday (a no no, it's only been 24 hours instead of the required 48) and whew did it smell. But after closing the lid I couldn't smell anything after a few minutes. Today I get to add more compost to the mix and get a better look. It was already starting to look like soil before (albeit stinky soil) so I'm hoping for the best. It definitely does make composting more convenient.
By the way, I wasn't paid for talking about Nature Mill, but if they wanted to give me a job I wouldn't mind. Baking is great, but I need something real to do with my time.
I wasn't quite sure what to do with my growing sourdough started. I've been cooking more, which means fewer bread/cheese/salami nights. Gerd doesn't seem to mind yet, but I'm sure he'll want a German dinner sooner or later. So I'm keeping that starter going, but I hate to throw away extra dough.
I ran across a blog that had a link to sourdough recipes. I made the blender waffles, and although I consider adding a bit of baking soda to the mix cheating, they were sooo good (and quick)! I can't wait to try out more recipes.
Meanwhile my Nature Mill composter is grinding away. It's a bit louder, at times, than I expected. Usually there's just a little electric hum in the background, but when it mixes stuff up there are cranks and clunks and who knows what coming from the box. I dared to open it yesterday (a no no, it's only been 24 hours instead of the required 48) and whew did it smell. But after closing the lid I couldn't smell anything after a few minutes. Today I get to add more compost to the mix and get a better look. It was already starting to look like soil before (albeit stinky soil) so I'm hoping for the best. It definitely does make composting more convenient.
By the way, I wasn't paid for talking about Nature Mill, but if they wanted to give me a job I wouldn't mind. Baking is great, but I need something real to do with my time.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Grandiose Ideas
It all started with a few checks found on the ground. At the farm where we work there's an honor system that has previously worked pretty well. People leave cash in the locked box and grab their food from the stand. Another box holds small denominations for change and everyone writes down their purchases on a clipboard hanging from the table. One of the staff members clears the lock box out daily so large denominations aren't left out long to tempt anyone.
But one day when a staff worker went out to check on the stand there were a bunch of checks laying on the ground. Someone had managed to pry open the box (which is also locked to the table) and left it open. Nobody knows if they stole a bunch of cash, just wanted their cash back, or were just being jerks. Money was still in the box, but we'll never know if MORE money had been in the box earlier.
So I brought up the idea of a local currency. If we had a local currency someone might be tempted to steal it, but most people working towards building the local economy probably (hopefully) wouldn't be the type to steal. Plus we could control who was buying into our currency. Other farms in the region could accept the cash as well, bringing the farm community tighter together.
And the farm manager likes the idea. There are lots of local currencies starting up throughout the US (and world) and economists believe that it does work to reinforce local jobs and businesses. BerkShares in the Berkshires are well known around this area because of their gaining popularity and commitment to keeping local businesses alive.
In my head I started forming all kinds of alliances and companies, putting people to work, bringing manufacturing to the area, building a community center. We could have people make clothes instead of importing them from China. We could have people build electronics, instead of importing them from China. We could have people produce cookware, dinnerware, fabrics, furniture, all without importing items from China. People would have jobs! Our community would remain strong! Our future would remain positive!
Fortunately my farm manager isn't prone to grandiose ideas. She thinks small and hopes it gets big. There are all kinds of things that would need to happen to make something so large scale work and that kind of progress needs time. But our farmer's market is a much more containable project. She's got me researching how local currencies have been implemented and who acts as the bank. With a little bit more research and a presentation we might just pull of a currency for our local market. And then, if it takes off, maybe we can invite local businesses to participate. And if we can get the local community bank on board, maybe eventually we can help local citizens start a local business.
There I go again, thinking big thoughts. But that's my part of the deal, dreaming.
But one day when a staff worker went out to check on the stand there were a bunch of checks laying on the ground. Someone had managed to pry open the box (which is also locked to the table) and left it open. Nobody knows if they stole a bunch of cash, just wanted their cash back, or were just being jerks. Money was still in the box, but we'll never know if MORE money had been in the box earlier.
So I brought up the idea of a local currency. If we had a local currency someone might be tempted to steal it, but most people working towards building the local economy probably (hopefully) wouldn't be the type to steal. Plus we could control who was buying into our currency. Other farms in the region could accept the cash as well, bringing the farm community tighter together.
And the farm manager likes the idea. There are lots of local currencies starting up throughout the US (and world) and economists believe that it does work to reinforce local jobs and businesses. BerkShares in the Berkshires are well known around this area because of their gaining popularity and commitment to keeping local businesses alive.
In my head I started forming all kinds of alliances and companies, putting people to work, bringing manufacturing to the area, building a community center. We could have people make clothes instead of importing them from China. We could have people build electronics, instead of importing them from China. We could have people produce cookware, dinnerware, fabrics, furniture, all without importing items from China. People would have jobs! Our community would remain strong! Our future would remain positive!
Fortunately my farm manager isn't prone to grandiose ideas. She thinks small and hopes it gets big. There are all kinds of things that would need to happen to make something so large scale work and that kind of progress needs time. But our farmer's market is a much more containable project. She's got me researching how local currencies have been implemented and who acts as the bank. With a little bit more research and a presentation we might just pull of a currency for our local market. And then, if it takes off, maybe we can invite local businesses to participate. And if we can get the local community bank on board, maybe eventually we can help local citizens start a local business.
There I go again, thinking big thoughts. But that's my part of the deal, dreaming.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Frugal or Not
I've been doing a lot of research about sustainable living lately and I've found that there are many different ways that people are learning to change their lifestyles. Some people want to cut back on commercial crap, usually in conjunction with frugal living. Others want to foster community while focusing on a spiritual connection. Some (like me) are interested in local living including foods and reducing driving distances/areas.
Sometimes the way people aim to be sustainable don't always mesh with one another. The person focusing more on paying off debt and living with fewer belongings doesn't entirely go with purchasing local foods. Sure, you can be frugal and be local, but changing from mass consumer meats and non-organic bulk items could create sticker shock. You have to be willing to spend a bit (okay, a LOT) more on meats if you want to continue to eat in the same lifestyle.
You can keep costs low if you buy in season, can or freeze bulk local, organic stuff, and give up some items, especially if you make foods from scratch. Problem is, if you're already making stuff from scratch and living as frugally as you can, you'll probably see your costs rise. Well, you'll see an increase in visible costs, but in my mind, and in the minds of many other like-minded localvores, you're actually just paying the entire visible and invisible costs. Buying out of season, or buying prepackaged foods, has a huge hidden cost that we don't see when we buy stuff in stores.
But I still consider myself frugal, at least mostly frugal, even though I occasionally splurge. This is on my mind today because of a trip I made to the antique store in Cambridge. I found a $2.50 flour sieve and a $10 apple corer/peeler, but put the apple thing back in trade for a couple of scarfs I really liked. One I plan to make into pillow covers and the other I just want to wear. I guiltily also picked up a $4 set of beautiful salt and pepper shakers.
So while I bought items used, and relatively inexpensively, I did end up buying things I don't *really* need. In fact, I traded something useful for something decorative. So I guess that makes me more on the side of local/reduced energy costs (buying used stuff means fewer environmental costs to create more things) as opposed to frugal in the strict sense. And while it would be great to be frugal, community minded, spiritual, local, organic, energy efficient minded, there has to be a way to really enjoy life.
And I think that's the key. When you're doing what you believe in you enjoy life most. And obviously, since I'm still writing about the subject, I feel like I should be a bit more frugal, or at least forgive myself for what I consider living a little. Perhaps one day I won't want that scarf, but right now I do. And for now I just keep telling myself one thing at a time, Bethany, one thing at a time.
Sometimes the way people aim to be sustainable don't always mesh with one another. The person focusing more on paying off debt and living with fewer belongings doesn't entirely go with purchasing local foods. Sure, you can be frugal and be local, but changing from mass consumer meats and non-organic bulk items could create sticker shock. You have to be willing to spend a bit (okay, a LOT) more on meats if you want to continue to eat in the same lifestyle.
You can keep costs low if you buy in season, can or freeze bulk local, organic stuff, and give up some items, especially if you make foods from scratch. Problem is, if you're already making stuff from scratch and living as frugally as you can, you'll probably see your costs rise. Well, you'll see an increase in visible costs, but in my mind, and in the minds of many other like-minded localvores, you're actually just paying the entire visible and invisible costs. Buying out of season, or buying prepackaged foods, has a huge hidden cost that we don't see when we buy stuff in stores.
But I still consider myself frugal, at least mostly frugal, even though I occasionally splurge. This is on my mind today because of a trip I made to the antique store in Cambridge. I found a $2.50 flour sieve and a $10 apple corer/peeler, but put the apple thing back in trade for a couple of scarfs I really liked. One I plan to make into pillow covers and the other I just want to wear. I guiltily also picked up a $4 set of beautiful salt and pepper shakers.
So while I bought items used, and relatively inexpensively, I did end up buying things I don't *really* need. In fact, I traded something useful for something decorative. So I guess that makes me more on the side of local/reduced energy costs (buying used stuff means fewer environmental costs to create more things) as opposed to frugal in the strict sense. And while it would be great to be frugal, community minded, spiritual, local, organic, energy efficient minded, there has to be a way to really enjoy life.
And I think that's the key. When you're doing what you believe in you enjoy life most. And obviously, since I'm still writing about the subject, I feel like I should be a bit more frugal, or at least forgive myself for what I consider living a little. Perhaps one day I won't want that scarf, but right now I do. And for now I just keep telling myself one thing at a time, Bethany, one thing at a time.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Resolutions
I didn't so much as make resolutions this year as I made goals. I'd like to either loose a little weight or gain a baby. That in itself is a difficult quandary. I want to eat healthy and get all the vitamins I need, be biologically ready for a kid, and yet loose weight. My answer to this is to cut out the sugar and alcohol and add exercise.
So what's the first thing I'm doing? Canceling my gym membership. I don't go, even though I pay for it, and we're moving. The L Street Beach House is a community center and gym a few blocks from the new house that charges only $90/year. They have aerobics, weights, pilates, and stationary exercise equipment, more than enough for what I need. They don't, unfortunately have a pool, instead there's the ocean if I'm up for it. And I'm definitely not up for it in the winter. We'll see how warm it gets in summer.
But in the mean time I've been doing a pretty good job at least doing some crunches and push-ups every day. Not a bunch, but just enough to remind me that I need to do something active. And I've started cooking more without as many carbs. I'm pretty pleased with my efforts so far. Of course I did just bake bread, a staple in our house, but I haven't eaten more than a piece so far. And I really need to make more sourdough something, my starter is about to overflow.
Friday I made quiche. Finally used the leftover spinach I didn't know what else to do with. YUM, and Gerd really liked it (a surprise considering he doesn't like eggs at that much and is ambivalent about spinach).
Saturday I made broccoli cheese soup on the spur of the moment. Who knew it was that easy? Seriously, probably 15 minutes, the length of time it takes to cook broccoli. Soup and bread, great dinner. And it used up my broccoli I didn't know what to do with. I think soup is the only form of broccoli my husband will willingly (and eagerly) eat.
Sunday I put a pork roast with carrots and onions into the crockpot. We had russet potatoes (I know, carbs) and salad as sides. It's the most traditional meal I've cooked in a long time, but entirely local and seasonal. I got the recipe from one of my Christmas presents "The Farm to Table Cookbook: The art of eating locally."
Tonight? Apples with peanut butter and cheese and crackers for me (one of my favorite meals). Gerd's finishing up the pork, potatoes, and leftover soup. Hopefully he eats some bread too!
And that's where my list ends. Tuesday I get new veggies in my box so I'll have to see what's on the agenda.
So what's the first thing I'm doing? Canceling my gym membership. I don't go, even though I pay for it, and we're moving. The L Street Beach House is a community center and gym a few blocks from the new house that charges only $90/year. They have aerobics, weights, pilates, and stationary exercise equipment, more than enough for what I need. They don't, unfortunately have a pool, instead there's the ocean if I'm up for it. And I'm definitely not up for it in the winter. We'll see how warm it gets in summer.
But in the mean time I've been doing a pretty good job at least doing some crunches and push-ups every day. Not a bunch, but just enough to remind me that I need to do something active. And I've started cooking more without as many carbs. I'm pretty pleased with my efforts so far. Of course I did just bake bread, a staple in our house, but I haven't eaten more than a piece so far. And I really need to make more sourdough something, my starter is about to overflow.
Friday I made quiche. Finally used the leftover spinach I didn't know what else to do with. YUM, and Gerd really liked it (a surprise considering he doesn't like eggs at that much and is ambivalent about spinach).
Saturday I made broccoli cheese soup on the spur of the moment. Who knew it was that easy? Seriously, probably 15 minutes, the length of time it takes to cook broccoli. Soup and bread, great dinner. And it used up my broccoli I didn't know what to do with. I think soup is the only form of broccoli my husband will willingly (and eagerly) eat.
Sunday I put a pork roast with carrots and onions into the crockpot. We had russet potatoes (I know, carbs) and salad as sides. It's the most traditional meal I've cooked in a long time, but entirely local and seasonal. I got the recipe from one of my Christmas presents "The Farm to Table Cookbook: The art of eating locally."
Tonight? Apples with peanut butter and cheese and crackers for me (one of my favorite meals). Gerd's finishing up the pork, potatoes, and leftover soup. Hopefully he eats some bread too!
And that's where my list ends. Tuesday I get new veggies in my box so I'll have to see what's on the agenda.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Think I Found It
Well, I finally found a church (I think) if you can tell after one visit. I'm really pretty spoiled because I liked my church in New Mexico so much. We went to Southie, near where our new place will be, and tried the Presbyterian Church there. Thank goodness I liked it, I think it's the only non-Catholic choice in the neighborhood.
Not, mind you, that I have any problem with Catholicism, just that I disagree with natural sin and sainthood. Come to think of it I don't agree with all of the facets of Presbyterianism either, predestination and all that, but it's at least a bit more similar to my background. And the people were extremely friendly. The minister is in a musical group and downright jams to music in the service. He's really fun to watch. But his prayers were also right on the money and his sermon was good too.
The congregation lost a young but long time member recently, so the entire service was somewhat of a memorial service, despite the apparent funeral the night before. But it was nice to see how connected the whole church was. And the sermon, while focused on someone I didn't know, talked about looking for God in every man. God is light, he said, and light refracted can be seen as a prism of color, and sometimes you can see God through the beauty and color of people's lives, if we only look for it.
I've been a bit distant feeling lately. I don't know if it's New Years and all the thoughts that go with beginnings and endings, but I haven't been entirely myself. Not even fresh baked bread (that took 10 hours) or a trip to the bookstore seemed to right me. I still can't claim to be completely cheerful, but I think I needed that sermon today. I needed something uplifting after three days of wind and snow. And I feel better for having been in church.
Not, mind you, that I have any problem with Catholicism, just that I disagree with natural sin and sainthood. Come to think of it I don't agree with all of the facets of Presbyterianism either, predestination and all that, but it's at least a bit more similar to my background. And the people were extremely friendly. The minister is in a musical group and downright jams to music in the service. He's really fun to watch. But his prayers were also right on the money and his sermon was good too.
The congregation lost a young but long time member recently, so the entire service was somewhat of a memorial service, despite the apparent funeral the night before. But it was nice to see how connected the whole church was. And the sermon, while focused on someone I didn't know, talked about looking for God in every man. God is light, he said, and light refracted can be seen as a prism of color, and sometimes you can see God through the beauty and color of people's lives, if we only look for it.
I've been a bit distant feeling lately. I don't know if it's New Years and all the thoughts that go with beginnings and endings, but I haven't been entirely myself. Not even fresh baked bread (that took 10 hours) or a trip to the bookstore seemed to right me. I still can't claim to be completely cheerful, but I think I needed that sermon today. I needed something uplifting after three days of wind and snow. And I feel better for having been in church.
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