100 Mile Challenge
November 8th, 2009
Have you heard of the 100 Mile Challenge? In 2005, Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon began a one-year experiment in local eating. Think about that: everything they ate had to come from within a 100-mile radius from where they lived. That morning cup of coffee you have every morning? Unless those beans are grown within 100 miles of you, forget it. It doesn’t matter that they might be roasted 100 miles from you; if they didn’t grow 100 miles from you, then it’s off the table.
The 100 Mile Challenge gained in popularity and members of their local community participated in their own version for 100 days. There is currently a documentary on The Discover Channel following these community members. More about the 100 Mile Challenge tv show here.
You can take the pledge and do your own research, but how about starting with answering the question “What is my 100 mile radius?”
Here’s mine:
What would be difficult to live without? How would you find what you’re looking for? This really makes you think about where your food comes from.
I know I wouldn’t have a problem getting wine 
November 10th, 2009 at 1:42 am
No Pip, I hadn’t heard of this particular thing- the 100 mile version. I thought I did hear of a book about a couple in NYC who decided to eat local for a year, is that the same people? Are that the same people? My brain is still getting over the flu.
Are you thinking I couldn’t get any locally-mined salt? I did eat quite a bit during the summer from farmer’s markets that was pretty local stuff. But it’s interesting to contemplate.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:18 am
I think the people you’re thinking of in NYC is the No Impact Man. His family lived for one year without leaving any environmental impact. Sounds really tough!
Where would you get salt in Minneapolis? I’m so shocked to hear that you got it at the Farmer’s Market. Can you give me any more information?
The salt issue was the one thing my friends and I discussed at length. Apparently one of the people participating in the documentary on Discovery (takes place in NW US) went to the Pacific Ocean to make their own salt!
November 11th, 2009 at 1:56 am
ok, speaking of brain fog, I just re-read my post and I see why you thought I got my salt at the farmer’s market. I actually just segued to the concept of getting everything local after asking if you were really wondering where one could get local salt. So my comment about getting a lot of stuff from the farmer’s market over the summer was strictly about the veggies I got there. I think if you can get most of what you need, don’t worry about where the salt came from…but then I don’t use much salt.