People everywhere, but especially in Los Angeles need to step up the sustainability factor. I just got back from a weekend filled with intense discussions about our role on the planet, how war effects our earth, recycling, and vegetarianism at the Sustainability Convergence in Santa Barbara. With a huge variety of vegan brownies, gallons of soy-milk, a Tofurkey sandwich bar (not as bad as I thought), more vegan brownies, and of course the obligatory dreadlocks and tye-dye, the event helped encourage me to find ways to help our earth in our local cities.
Point is, I’m all for sustainability and recycling, respecting the earth, and sparing animals, but within reason. One great way of using less but conserving more, is by attending Farmer’s Markets.
Farmers markets are great examples of sustainability, because, first of all, they’re local. You’re not wasting energy to transport produce from across the United States, nor chemicals to preserve the poor vegetables for days and days. You’re supporting local farmers and vendors, which helps your own community and the people in it. Also, many farmers’ markets offer a large proportion of organic goods, which are often not available in mainstream markets.
Another reason by farmers’ markets are sustainable, is because buying in-season produce from local farmers requires no shipping or refrigeration. As a result, the produce is often cheaper because they don’t have to be shipped from far away places like South America. Best of all, a farmers’ market brings a sense of community to places in L.A., which, although bustling with people, doesn’t always have that cozy, warm, connected, community feel. And who doesn’t prefer shopping for their oranges and grapefruits in the sun rather than in an overly air-conditioned Safeway?
If you go now, get some oranges and grapefruits, they taste amazing right now! Save the melon, although it’s so delicious, it’s better in the summer.
So here are a few farmer’s markets you can find around that I personally enjoy, but there are 49 farmers markets in LA to choose from. To find one near you, click here!
1. Beverly Hills Farmers Market
Sundays 9 AM – 1 PM. 9300 block of Civic Center Drive. 310.550.4796.
After you cruise through Rodeo drive, quench your shopping thirst with some fresh, juicy fruit. Or if you’re me, the expensive local fruit would be your splurge.
2. Hollywood Farmers Market
Sundays 8 AM – 1 PM. Ivar and Selma Avenue. 323.463.3171.
A plus: two-hour parking for only $1, at the Cinemerama dome!
A totally bizarre location for a market, I was confused when I was going to a “Billion Dollar Babes” sample sale on the same street and all of a sudden was surrounded by tomatoes and turnips and honey and cheese! Definitely a more loud, car-filled feel, but a cool combination. And this market was long! I walked, it felt forever and there were still more booths to cover!
3. Santa Monica Wednesday Farmers Market
Wednesdays 9 AM to 2 PM. Arizona Ave. and 3rd Street. 310.458.8712
I just thought this one was cool because it was on a Wednesday!
Like I said, there are plenty more markets to discover, so here’s just a…taste!
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1 Louis // Mar 3, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Nicola this is great! Thanks so much for it, it’s super handy…
I myself am a big fan of Farmer’s markets… In France, it’s just as common to go to a farmer’s market to buy your food as it is to a supermarket. And you can really taste the difference in the quality…
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