http://www.blogher.com/save-money-eating-locally-and-sustainably Comments for "Save money -- by eating locally and sustainably" en http://www.blogher.com/save-money-eating-locally-and-sustainably <p><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2259/2116382897_c601732e99_m.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 0px 0pt; float: left;" alt="" />If the economy has you thinking cheap, genetically-modified corn-and-soybean junk foods may be the way to go, frugal foodies serious about cheap, tasty eats are blogging to convince you otherwise. Sustainable, yummy eats don't have to break the bank! </p> <p>First, check out this list of <a href="http://www.eatlocalchallenge.com/2008/07/tips-for-eating.html">13 ways to eat locally and sustainable on a budget</a>, from Jennifer Maiser of the Eat Local Challenge blog. One main tip she offers is to eat in season. "In season eating offers the best value for local produce, and if you put up or preserve foods while they are in season you can have a version of them throughout the year." </p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3054/2640274930_5958f2f788_m.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 0px 0px 10pt; float: right;" alt="" />I went to the farmers' market earlier today -- so I know luscious peaches are in full season. The 7 I bought won't last long enough for me to think about preserving them though...</p> <p>My favorite tip for reducing local-eating costs is growing your own herbs. Every little bunch of basil, parsley, fennel, and many other easy-to-grow herbs costs you a buck or few every time you decide to buy them from the grocery store -- but if you keep your own little pot o' herbs, you have a gift that keeps on giving.</p> <p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3264/2640274826_320e8e1287_t.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 10px 0px 0pt; float: left;" alt="" />If any sort of plant maintenance seems like too much work for you, maybe I can draw you in via the cute and crafty factor of these mini-herb gardens. Here's instructions on how to create a <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Credit-Card-Flower-Box-Fridge-Magnet/">Credit-Card Flower Box-Fridge Magnet</a> or a <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/Lightbulb-greenhouse/">Lightbulb Greenhouse</a> of your own (both via <a href="http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/how-to/lightbulb-greenhouse-by-instructables-054164">re</a>-<a href="http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/how-to/credit-card-flower-box-054169">nest</a>). </p> <p>Last but not least: If your garden gets weedy, don't fight 'em -- eat them! <a href="http://www.ethicurean.com/2008/07/04/weeds/">Jennifer M. aka Baklava Queen at Ethicurean</a> points out that weeds are growing even more like weeds than usual, thanks to global warming. On the upside, many weeds are edible! Says Jennifer M:</p> <blockquote><p><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2639447947_51500b7031_m.jpg" style="margin: 0pt 0px 0px 10pt; float: right;" alt="" />The weeds might have the advantage as our climate changes and cultivated species find themselves more prone to pests and diseases as a result. But there’s one possibly delicious way to tame those wild plants: grab a fork and dig in.</p></blockquote> <p>She even provides a tasty-looking recipe for Wild and Weedy Potato Salad (right), sure to be a hit at any summer pot-luck --</p> <p><em>Top image by Siel; middle images via Instructables; bottom image via <a href="http://www.ethicurean.com/2008/07/04/weeds/">Ethicurean</a></em><br /> ____</p> <p>BlogHer Contributing Editor Siel also blogs at <a href="http://greenlagirl.com">greenLAgirl.com</a>.</p> http://www.blogher.com/save-money-eating-locally-and-sustainably#comments Green Non-profits Food garden local sustainable Weeds Sat, 05 Jul 2008 15:52:40 -0500 greenlagirl 45908 at http://www.blogher.com