With news that factory farms have been increasing in size at an unprecedented rate, it's more important than ever to make sure you know where your food comes from, and that it's not coming from a source that's largely unregulated and massively polluting. Not to mention cruel to the animals involved.
I've already gone through the reasons not to eat factory-farmed food: for the environment, for your health and nutrition, for better taste, for a stronger local economy, and for the animals.
But where to start, especially now that winter's upon us and farmer's markets, with a couple exceptions, are just about impossible to come by?
For a little background, check out Food & Water Watch's Factory Farm Map to get a pretty astounding understanding of just how concentrated factory farms are in certain areas—which means more concentrated pollution in local lands and waterways. Some of the areas that have seen rapid growth in recent years, like southern California, might surprise you.
Then consult the Eat Well Guide. You can search broadly, by city and state, as well as by keyword—in addition to using it to help plan a trip—Happy Cow is another great resource for avoiding meat on the road).
Or you can just punch in your zip code and have a complete list of locally available sustainable foods at your fingertips, from bakeries to CSAs to local bed & breakfasts.
Something to keep in mind as you begin your shopping for those big holiday meals...
