COLUMN: Buying local sends the right message
Every time a barcode is scanned, you are essentially "voting" for the product you are purchasing.
When you cast your vote, you are endorsing the quality and standards of the product.
Going organic is not the cheapest choice, but in my book, it's the right choice.
Buying meat, dairy and other products that are not organic shows marketers the meat, dairy and produce industries are thriving and on the right track, but they are in dire need of change.
Living in Michigan, we are lucky to be able to buy Michigan-produced milk. In our state, 98 percent of dairy farms are family owned. This increases the likelihood that their animals are treated with respect and given reasonable living conditions.
This is one of the many reasons Green Tree, located in downtown Mount Pleasant, is so valuable to our community.
Walking into Green Tree, I didn't completely know what to expect. I have never been to a cooperative grocery store before, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Green Tree has a variety of dairy products, including organic, locally produced milk. Organic milk tends to last longer, so if you have trouble getting through a gallon of milk before it expires, this is a great alternative.
Purchasing locally-produced dairy products is paramount to keeping the Michigan dairy farms thriving. By supporting the local farmers, you are supporting not only the community, but the way the dairy farms are ran in Michigan. I am not saying all dairy farms in the state are in perfect condition, but considering most in Michigan are family owned, the majority of dairy farms are humane and support jobs.
Buying locally grown and produced foods is vital to creating food standards.
Buying locally also creates jobs, supports local farmers and it promotes the commitment to high-quality products. Green Tree provides the buyer an ease of access to all of those things and opens the buyer to a wonderful community.
