For those of us here in the States, Thanksgiving is just over a week away, which means that many of us are dreaming of the perfect stuffing and tryptophan-induced naps. Before preparing any cranberries or mashed potatoes, please keep in mind where your food is comes from, and remember: local is the way to go. Just like the Pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving, eating locally is so much better for you, for your community and for the planet. This year, give thanks not only for another year of health, happiness and good times, but for your local harvest. The folks at 100milediet.org have invited everyone to join in the 100-Mile Thanksgiving; whether it's one dish or the whole meal, there's tons of ways to do it. You can share your ideas and get some ideas, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. EatLocalChallenge.com, Locavores and Local Harvest all have great ideas and resources for enjoying a local Thanksgiving. The Washington Post recently published an article filled with ideas for eating local around the nation's capital; it's a great guide to area farmers markets, co-ops and small farms where people can get their turkeys, vegetables, pies, and all the fixin's. Wherever you are, you can get at least a side-dish or two's worth of local ingredients. Already an afficianado? Check out the TreeHugger's 100 Mile Thanksgiving Challenge, and win a year's worth of organic milk from Organic Valley.
