Linda Smith

I want to focus on sustainable food by supporting our community garden and local farmer's market and by shopping more sustainably.

My EcoChallenge Blog

October 15th, 2011

Our EcoChallenge ended today with a wonderful, sunny day on the coast. Many people came to the Farmer's Market and bought local products. I got some nice granola and visited with some great people. I also did a lot of pruning, gardening, and composting. It was a productive day. Always a good reminder to build community and support to the growing and consumption of healthy food.

October 13th, 2011

Enjoying fresh green beans and shiitake mushrooms from my brother's organic farm. I let the local chickens free range in my yard to eat the bugs, scratch up the grass, and provide some chicken manure. My Certified Wildlife Habitat was also blessed by the local deer, who helped nibble up my cuttings. The remainder of the yard debris will be dropped off at the local yard debris round-up tomorrow.

October 9th, 2011

I am so thankful to be healthy and strong at 68 years-old. Besides unloading a whole pallet of pellets for my pellet stove (an environmentally-friendly way to heat a home), I got up on the roof and emptied the gutters. The leaves and pine needles went right into the compost. Dinner came right out of my garden: squash, onions, and greens. I am excited to try my new celery plant, which supposedly will survive all winter.

October 8th, 2011

We have a Farmer's Market in town on Saturdays. It's small, but I love supporting them. The fishermen have a booth, as does my brother, who has an organic farm. Came home with some fresh fish and greens.

October 7th, 2011

These types of challenges are hard. I know about the risks and problems with factory farming and want to buy healthy food, but I live in a small town and our local store does not carry free range chicken. This led to a big family debate, when I brought some store-bought chicken to dinner. Even though I can explain away my choice, whether through issues of time, cost, availability, whatever... I know that I am not aligning my actions with my values. Today, I am going to meet with my Garden Club and think about these issues more.

October 7th, 2011

Today was forest maintenance day. It's all about creating soil. Instead of landfilling or recycling paper, I shred it and compost it in my forest. It has been a great way to fill holes and create more dirt.

October 4th, 2011

Today, I spent some time in our community garden and helped improve the new compost bin by adding another pallet on top. The wind blows really hard in Port Orford, so we need to weigh down the bin. I was also excited to find a beautiful green-striped pumpkin in my gardening plot. Fall is here!

Comments

From: Kimberley D Smith

So proud of you, Mom!

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My EcoChallenge(s)

Sustainable Food Options

My Fundraising Goal

$100

My Pledge Tally

$50

My Pledgers

• Kimberley D Smith