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companies that bring to market more than half of the approximately 30,000 items stocked on supermarket shelves. A lot of choice and nutrition? No. From analysis of ingredients (thanks to citizens pushing truth in labeling), Worldwatch concludes we get variety in packaging, not substance. Yummy, huh? Not to folks in Vermont or Italy, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Sweden, India - or Durango. People are coming out from under the thumbs of directors of Monsanto, Archer Daniels Midland, Kraft, Sysco, a handful of corporations deciding for us what our food will taste like, what chemicals we'll ingest, how farming will be done, what open space we'll have left. Four years ago a few education districts in northern Italy requested that area schools develop lunch programs using exclusively local organic producers. Citizens pushed for this shift, and the idea is spreading throughout the country. In Oaxaca, Mexico, citizens stopped McDonalds from building in their historic city center. In Sweden, the Food Administration and Consumer Agency are officially linking food habits to human and environmental health. At Farmer's Diner in Barre, Vermont, 65 percent of the menu fare comes from small-scale food producers within 70 miles of the restaurant. Vermont is not exactly "the sunbelt," still local fare is served throughout the year. An anomaly, or can this be foundation for sound business? According to the Johnson School of Business, Cornell University, one million dollars in annual sales from Farmer's Diner equals 350 acres of farmland in production, 13 new farm jobs, and 15 farmers with revenues of $50,000 each. Local jobs, local circulation of money, and over a million dollars saved in land conservation costs combine to make good business sense.
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By contrast, U.S. commercial grocery items travel an average of 2,000 to 2,400 miles from source to shelf, requiring more packaging, processing and brokering, less quality, less local profit.
There's more to self-sufficiency than food. How we shelter and clothe ourselves, use energy or recreate can each be achieved through use of local talent and resources, secondarily supplemented with goods and services from beyond our bioregion. Sure it's difficult to grow a pineapple on Florida Mesa. But what about meats, vegetables, fruits, even grains or the "bio" in diesel?
Self-sufficiency helps anonymity evaporate. It inspires relationships and creativity. When I can thank someone personally for the eggs I eat, the blanket I sleep under, the dress my daughter wears, the social contact enhances the purchase, gives it meaning beyond utility or personal desire. If my neighbor can be successful creating a line of children's wear, spinning wool or growing specialty mushrooms, what need might I help fill that, in turn, helps to support me?
In short, when we think of America being built by people both resourceful and clever, is it self-sufficiency that comes to mind, or images of grab-and-bag at the local big box store?
Durango is part of this movement to self-sufficiency. Cypress Café and Turtle Lake Refuge work hard bringing us local fare. We have the Farmer's Market, with goals of extending the season. Our region is rich with talented artisans, sustainable forestry practices and locally milled lumber, and renewable energy experts. We each benefit by not only supporting those working with the Swadeshi principle, but also by discovering how we also can contribute.
So, come learn and celebrate self-sufficiency. Attend workshops on renewable energy, bio-diesel, spinning and weaving, growing all sizes of gardens. Listen to music, find native herbs. Bring the kids - there will be lots for them to do - but leave the dogs at home. For more information on the July 11 celebration visit www.oakhavenpc.org, or call 259-5445.
Nancy
Jacques works in environmental consulting as a writer and publisher.
E-Mail Nancy@peopleofconscience.org