Find out where you can live organically.
Hormones in our milk, poisons on our fruits and recyclables piling up in our landfills -- all these things beg the question: where can I live an organic lifestyle? From free-range cattle to pesticide-free gardens to compost piles and green energy, there are some cities that are taking a stand for a healthier tomorrow.
Boulder, Colorado
According to "Country Home" magazine in conjunction with Sperling's BestPlaces, Boulder has the country's best organic food supply. There is a very large farmers market which goes from April to November and features various food options from local farmers, often organically grown. It is also backed by Whole Foods and a network of co-ops and local producers.
Charlottesville, Virginia
The Charlottesville community puts a value on trees, parks, green space, streams and biodiversity, according to "Country Home" magazine. They also encourage the use of green roofs, rainwater harvesting, porous paving and rain gardens. "Southern Living" states: "a new generation of farmers and market owners is committed to changing how we eat and live." Many farmers are taking over failing vineyards and farms and turning them into organic food and cheese farms. Charlottesville restaurants also frequently feature local foods.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington has a compost facility which collects food scraps from restaurants, supermarkets, institutions and food manufacturers, as well as the yard clippings and leaves from local residents and landscapers, according to data discovered by Sperling's BestPlaces. Once finished composting, local farmers, gardeners and landscapers can purchase this nutrient-rich soil to use for their own gardens. There are 10 organic food stores/restaurants in the Burlington area, making it easy to live an organic lifestyle there.
Binghamton, New York
Binghamton nonprofit organizations try to promote healthy and organic eating habits, and Club VEG, a volunteer group, helps educate the public, health care professionals, and health organizations about the benefits of a plant-based diet.
Asheville, North Carolina
In March 2011, the nonprofit Organic Growers School held its 17th annual sustainable living conference in Asheville. It is the largest conference of its type in the southeast, according to Meredith McKissick, director of the Organic Growers School. Asheville's "Citizen-Times" said, "Western North Carolina has become something of a hotbed for organic agriculture." There are around 14 tailgate farmers markets in the Asheville area and many organic restaurants, including the Tupelo Honey Cafe, the West End Bakery, and the Laughing Seed Cafe.
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