Action: Build Transit-Oriented Communities

From the Driven to Spend report (Center for Neighborhood Technology 2005): "State, regional, and local officials should also give particular attention to managing growth to better connect housing and development decisions with transportation investments. ... There is a substantial public record that shows how governmental actions are having some success in balancing and integrating housing and transportation policies, which pays dividends to families by allowing them to spend less on getting around. Designing communities to be convenient, walkable, and transit oriented, with a variety of shops and other services nearby, makes sense for families and local and regional economies. Location-efficiency (i.e., greater transportation choice) pays big dividends in economic growth and household savings. The data in this report shows that metropolitan areas with broader transit options and other defining transportation characteristics save money for families and slow the outflow of dollars from regional economies to pay for higher gas prices."

- contributed by Sustainable Seattle

(see Indicator: Percent of Income Spent on Housing AND Transportation Costs)

Eat Local

  Ten Reasons for Eating Local

 1. Locally grown food tastes better

Food grown in Washington was probably picked within the last day or two and is crisp, sweet, and loaded with flavor. And from Seattle Farmers Markets, talented chefs and their fabulous restaurants to food coops, we have lots of opportunities to get our hands on local food. Produce flown or trucked in from California, Mexico, or New Zealand is much older. We are lucky in Seattle to have a staggering diversity of fruit orchards, year-round vegetable farms, salmon fisheries, and more.

2. Local produce is better for you

Fresh produce loses nutrients quickly, sugars turn to starches, plant cells shrink, and produce loses its vitality. Buying local lets you get food that is at the peak of flavor and nutritive value. Our bodies naturally crave seasonal crops, requiring more hearty potatoes and cabbages when weather turns colder, and lighter salad greens and cucumbers when it is warmer. Shopping locally tunes you in with the seasons.

3. Local Food Preserves Genetic Diversity

The modern industrial food system favors varieties with thick skins that can survive packing and shipping, leaving few varietal options. Family farmers place value on different things, like choosing varieties that are uniquely suited to the Puget Sound region, often favoring heirloom varieties that have been passed down from generation to generation. Old varieties contain genetic material from hundreds of years of human selection; they may someday provide the genes needed to create varieties that will thrive in a changing climate.

4. Local food is Genetically Modified Organism Free

A June 2001 survey by ABC News showed that 93% of Americans want labels on gmo food - most so that they can avoid it. Biotech companies currently only license gmo fruits and vegetables to large commercial growers, which means that local farmers will guarantee a non-gmo source.

5. Local food supports local farming families

From Boistfort Valley Farm to Skagit River Ranch, we can support talented and hardworking farm families from disappearing, as each 5 year agricultural census shows they are – less than 2% of the population is currently a farming family. A typical farmer gets paid 10 cents of the retail food dollar, but buying directly from the producer or conscientious retailer keeps more $ in their pocket and their family on the land.

6. Local food builds community

Chat with Fong Cha of Children’s Garden or discuss goat cheese with Steve Phillips of Port Madison Farm - it’s a great connection for eater and grower. Knowing farmers gives you insight into the seasons, the weather, and the accessible miracle of raising food.

7. Local food preserves open space

When more people put their dollars into the pockets of farmers and show that their work is valuable, farmland becomes less likely to be developed. We face enormous pressures in the Puget Sound area with a high migration rate, putting our area at particular risk.

8. Local Food benefits wildlife

The habitat of a farm - the patchwork of fields, meadows, woods, ponds and buildings - is the perfect environment for many beloved species of wildlife, including bluebirds, herons, bats, rabbits, and eagles.

9. Local food supports a clean environment

If recent floods are any indication, land-use in our area may not always be in our collective best interest. A family farm however, is a place where resources like fertile soil and clean water are valued. According to some estimates, farmers who practice conservation tillage can sequester 12-14 % of the carbon emitted by vehicles and industry.

10. Local food is about the future

By supporting Washington farmers today, you can help ensure that there will be farms in our community tomorrow, and that future generations will enjoy all the jerusalem artichokes, smoked salmon, goat cheese, kale, eggs, peaches and more that this region has to offer. Viva Cascadia!

- contributed by amfaste

(see Indicator: Access to Fresh Food )

Talk to Your Neighbors

It may seem overly simplistic, but when was the last time you said hello to your neighbor? Communicatng with those around you establishes connections, provides opportunity and creates a feeling of community. It can also improve your security. Beyond needing to borrow a cup of sugar, a neighbor can watch your property and help you in a crisis. It is far more likely that in an emergency one can turn to their immediate neighbor for assistance before they can receive help from a distant source. Think of tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina, where people in your community will turn to each other to conquer the adversity of a dire situation. It all begins with saying the simple word.... hello!

- contributed by amfaste

(see Indicator: Social Support)

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