Archive for January, 2010

I am failing at my organic chicken task

January 30th, 2010

This week’s green challenge is to find a local poultry source and switch over from our store bought chickens. Little did I know how difficult it would be to find organic chickens in an area that is primarily known for its agriculture and a Coen Brother’s movie.  I have been looking all week for a local farm that sells organic chicken and have fell short.  Do you have any ideas for me?

My first thought was to do a quick search of Google and it did not really give me much information.  I found some listings for local health food stores like Swanson’s, GNC and Tochi, but I have been in these stores before and do not remember if they have these items.  Even if they do, I guess I would prefer to buy them straight from the source rather than from the store.  Now that I think of it though, I should check again at Tochi because they are a local store and even if they do not carry poultry, they may know where I can.

Then, I posted the question on my Facebook account and did find some good information.  Somebody sent me the site www.localharvest.org, but all I could find within driving range was a place that USED to sell chickens, so I had no luck there.  Numerous individuals mentioned the Hutterites (similar to Amish, but they have some modern conveniences) and how great they are, but nobody seems to have a contact.  They have a colony somewhere in the area and I have heard they sell chickens and turkeys, but no such luck… YET.

Finally, I thought I would try the phonebook.  Possibly I did not need to do all this searching because there was something listed in the Yellow Pages.  Possibly I was also wrong.  I could not find the Hutterites in the phone book, nor could I find anything in the yellow pages. 

So, I am still on the prowl for organic chickens.  If you happen to know of any in the Fargo area, please let me know in the comment area below.  In the meantime, I am going to follow up with Tochi health foods and also try and follow up with the Facebook friends that indicated some knowledge of a Hutterite contact.  Stay tuned to see if I can even complete my chicken challenge!

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Green Shopping Websites

January 29th, 2010

I recently posted a list about green gift ideas. This post is similar, but not requiring any work besides entering your credit card number. I wanted a list of green websites a person can shop for knowing they are getting earth friendly products.

1. LetsGoGreen.biz: I happened across this website when typing in “green products.” This website has everything from pet products to home products. It will definitely be cool to keep an eye on any trendy green products that come to market.

2. greenhome.com:  I liked how this website lists different resolutions and green deals at the bottom.  Another feature I like is the house graphic that you can click on to give you ways you can green the different locations of your house.

3.  modernartisans.com:  I liked the idea of a website of American made products/gifts.  There are some great artsy gift ideas for almost everyone on your list.

4.  EarthLover:  I really liked the look of this website.  It makes me want to stay a while and click around.  They are also labeled Fair Trade gift sellers.

5.  uncommongoods.com:  this website offers gifts made from reused or reclaimed materials.  I liked the wide variety of gifts to choose from.  These are gifts you would want to showcase in your home.

If you know of any other websites that offer reused, recycled, fair trade or American made products, please leave us a comment below.

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The life of a broiler chicken – a disturbing video

January 27th, 2010

This certainly gave me something to think about in regards to my current poultry purchasing habits.

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