Carolyn White

Upon moving to Portland 6 years ago, I immediately realized that things here were different. What I saw was that local food systems were vibrant. Since then, I have made an effort to eat locally when possible and purchase food from the many amazing farmers' markets around town.

But there is more that I can do.

My challenge this October is to eat foods sourced within 100 miles of my home. This means no coffee or tea, and certainly no bananas. And this doesn't just mean buying food from local businesses - it means ensuring that all of the ingredients in a product were grown locally. That means eating bread made from locally grown wheat. I'm also (finally) going to start composting in my apartment - something I've thought about doing since moving out of a house and away from the compost pile. I've just never taken the effort to develop a system that makes sense.

I feel lucky to be part of an organization that is encouraging the community to take action for the health of our environment and communities.

My EcoChallenge Blog

October 4th, 2011

PS: I have this amazing cookbook written in both Italian and English called "Le erbe aromatiche in cucina." It's amazing because none of the recipes have measurements. It's a handful of this and a glug of that, a big bunch of those and "the right amount" of these. It goes to show that cooking doesn't have to be a science, it just has to come from the heart.

October 4th, 2011

Yesterday I fed myself with local yogurt and granola, half of a squash tart from the day before, and a big ole slice of Hot Lips vegan focaccia pizza since I got out of class late and didn't have time to cook. Last night I started some bread, which I will bake up tonight and serve alongside some scratch made ravioli (never made this before, but have always wanted to and I'm hoping all of the Italian cooking shows I've watched while not being able to understand the language have sunk in).

October 2nd, 2011

It's already been quite a challenge to eat locally and I'm only in day two! Here's a bit of a recap: Day 1, Saturday: Started at the Portland Farmers' Market. I was STARVING and beginning to feel a little woozy. Luckily I laid my eyes on the local, organic food stand, Zuppa. I hay myself a hot bowl of rich and zesty tomato soup paired with a grilled cheese sandwich. It was delicious! I picked up some veggies and a bottle of local wine. I also bought a bamboo kitchen composting container - it was love at first site. Another bonus was that I finally re-seasoned my old cast iron pan that has been lying dormant for over a year. This new push to cook forced me to take care of business - and I'm so happy to be reunited with my old pal. Day 2, Sunday: Went to New Seasons and was really surprised at my difficulty in finding locally sourced foods. I wanted local Brussels Sprouts and herbs - no dice. Looked in the bulk section for dried beans, flour, and legumes. Not a single one from Washington or Oregon. Local pasta? Nope. Local crackers? Nope. So I picked up a carton of local eggs, some Nancy's yogurt, leeks, potatoes, onion, and headed right on over to Peoples Coop. There I scored local herbs, lentils, flour, garbanzos, granola, wild rice, and butternut squash. Believe it or not, I didn't have a Peoples Membership, but now I do, and I can't wait to take advantage of all the perks and their year-round Wednesday Farmer's Market. Dinner was a caramelized onion, sage and roasted butternut squash hand pies served with sauteed potatoes and leeks with rosemary. Tonight I filled up my compost container, which was a surprise that it happened so quickly, and I walked it down to the Buckman community composting station. I can already see how this two week challenge is going to change my habits... for good!

Comments

From: Paul Montone

Good on ya, Babes! xoxox

From: Warren White

Hi Carolyn:). Such an excellent cause. How can I not lend a small hand. Put me on the list and I will do something from time to time. Love, Dad

From: Janelle White

Good luck reaching your goal. Love, Mummy

From: Paticia Montone

Carolyn, Happy to help you reach your goal - What a great challenge! Pat and Ken

(back to list of individuals)

My EcoChallenge(s)

Sustainable Food Options

Trash Reduction

My Fundraising Goal

$500

My Pledge Tally

$230

My Pledgers

• Paul Montone
• Warren White
• Janelle White
• Paticia Montone
• Judy Huro
• Phyllis Miller