Objects in Mirror: November 23, 2007 Archive

Buying locally: From 100-mile diet to 100-mile lifestyle

Posted at 5:45 AM on November 23, 2007 by Julia Schrenkler

Mark Zdechlik reports that the toy safety scare is a boon to Minnesota toymakers. Parents and gift-givers are turning to local, handmade goods whether they're buying teensy clothes perfect for dress-up or pine vehicles & planes.

In light of all the coverage around sustainability, I have to wonder if the idea of a 100-mile diet (where you eat foods grown in season and produced within 100 miles of your location) can translate into more of a 100-mile lifestyle. Isn't it more interesting - not to mention reassuring - to meet the person who made the item? Would you do it to support your local economy? The idea isn't new, but in today's market it can be incredibly challenging. Help MPR cover this story, and tell us about how you buy locally.