TBD

You might be wondering how I even know about Local SixFortySeven, and why I think they are important…
I’m still trying to figure out a catchy name, or phrase, or thought, to call this series of articles that I am envisioning. Going Green is so prosaic. Buy Local has a great double entendre but doesn’t quite cover the scope. Think Pink just trips off the tongue sooo well, but what the heck does it mean?! For now, this post has the Eeyore title of TBD–safe, plodding, predictable, ready for some excitement.

Anyone that knows me knows that I’m a huge fan of nature–preserving ecosystems, saving animals, taking my kids camping so they can gain an appreciation of the wonders around them. I’m a greenie at heart and love the green movement that is gaining traction in cars and houses and all sorts of industries!

Recently, one of my sons needed to go on a gluten-free diet. Being the avid researcher that I am, I started to learn everything I could and quickly discovered that the very best way to ensure a gluten-free diet was to steer clear of pre-packaged and prepared foods and cook everything from scratch. I even read some information that suggested the way produce was treated so that it could be transported long distances across country might have adverse affects on those with food intolerances. That led me to seek out farmers’ markets. The first Saturday morning that I went, I had so much fun, but I came to one stand where all of the tomatoes had labels on them–made me wonder where the tomatoes came from, and if it meant that they too were treated for long distance transportation.

Which brings me to today’s post–that natural confluence of the various rivers in my life that are coming together in one synchronized wave. As a Realtor, I’ve got a great perch from which to observe and participate in the greening of our houses–whether its the ones that have yet to be built or the ones that need to be updated. As a Mom, I’ve got a great perch from which to observe and participate in the greening of my children–whether its contributing to their education and their perspective or ensuring that their lifestyle is a healthy one both inside and out.

Derek and Amanda of Local SixFortySeven are an inspiration to me. They are providing back-to-basics food. There are no chemicals, there are minimal transportation costs, the local businesses are being supported, and I know what I am eating because I can pronounce every ingredient that Derek puts in his mayo which, by the way, is made from the eggs of local ducks and has become my dad’s favorite! They are also anchoring themselves in the community in a way that is reminiscent of a bygone era. It is an era and a community structure that I find many of the people I talk to are starting to yearn for. I sometimes wish I could wake up on a Saturday morning, and instead of hopping in the car to run my errands, I could walk into town where I know all of the shop owners by name, walk into the deli knowing I could find a friendly face to have lunch with if I wished, and walk home, without ever consuming a drop of gas but being happy and healthier for the trip. For me, Local SixFortySeven is trying to find a way to bring a sense of local community into our modern lifestyle.


From time to time, I’d like to help shine a spotlight on endeavors like that of Derek and Amanda and Smart Markets. What they are offering is helping me keep my son happy and healthy. I know in an age of Wal-Mart-type purchasing power, they are swimming upstream, but we need them so we need to support them!

I’m working on a name for all of this, but for now, please make sure to tune in to Good Morning America and see the profile of Local Six Forty Seven!