leaning towards elimination of meat

[fairyfarmgirl]

In times of wanting (when we were almost homeless) we ate what was given. We blessed it and consumed it in a sacred manner. I feel that when people pontificate a vegan and organic diet they do so from a place of relative comfort and free from want.

fairyfarmgirl

This is a very valid point sister.

The economic realities of our time does make the vegetarian and/or "organic" lifestyle quite expensive in both time and effort. A simple comparison between the average grocery bill from a Whole Foods vs. Walmart shopping trip does put the argument to rest.

But also consider that the forces of mass production will not re-align to more positive practices unless we, their source of income, demand it. The concept of a dedicated chain of organic supermarkets in most major cities in America would have been thought folly 20 years ago. Perhaps I am too optimistic but many would agree that there is much promise in the fact that a lot of people today are now asking: what exactly are we putting in our bodies?

So I humbly recommend, as others have, to pass no judgments on those who do not wish to pursue this choice. But we should, however, not discourage people who are blessed to be in the position to pursue this ideal.

I strive to buy that which is regional or locally produced. In the produce areas of the local grocery store (I only go to Walmart at a very very last resort and I eschew as much as possible the multi-nationally owned grocery chains... ) I shop they have a reduced veg/fruit cart with the fruit that is about to burst due to ripeness and/or is blemished. Most of the fruits are regionally produced on cooperative family farms.... I try to avoid produce made by the Multinational Corporations. And for the most part I feel I am able to do so. When I had a larger income, we ate only regionally produced small farm organic or naturally raised biodynamic foods. I know a lot about this and my family's present economic situation (although changing slowly for the better) is a great source of pain and I must admit shame for me. So I do the best I can with what is given.

I agree the buying power in our current system dictates how the market goes... and for this I am honored by all those with the buying power to do so! I would also encourage those with more to give to Food Banks organic food! So much that is given when I go to the food bank I have to return to them because for us it is inedible. With a family of people who are allergic to MSG, Corn Syrup, Food Colorants, preservatives It is a challenge to feed us all on what we have budgeted for food. We fall in the working poor category... too rich to recieve help but too poor afford the essentials. So in order to feed the family we gave up our phone, travel (except to and from work and 1 family outing within 20 miles of the house) and most non-food purchases.

I have learned to make bone broth and to use every scrap that is edible from the veggies to make soup stock. Waste not want not is the rule of the day. As a result our compost pile is shrinking and the animals that have come to enjoy the result are showing up on our doorstep wondering where the grub is... LOL

I also strive to buy that which is not encased in plastic. So much organic food is triple packed in plastics! Ridiculous, marketing! I try to buy as much stuff as I am able to that is not packed in plastic but in paper or in glass jars. If I do have to buy something in plastic I strive to make sure it is packed in #2 or #5 plastic. Which most towns in the area of the USA I live recycle.

fairyfarmgirl