What does sustainable mean?

As one wag put it, "whatever you want it to mean." According to Public Law 101-624, Title XVI, Subtitle A, Section 1683, sustainable agriculture is “an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term, satisfy human food and fiber needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural economy depends; make the most efficient use of nonrenewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate, where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.”

Most of what we eat—even if it’s labeled organic—is not a product of sustainable agriculture. Instead, it comes from factory or industrial farms and is usually over-processed and lacking in the taste and nutrition good food should have.

Although the government defined sustainable, it has done little in the way of developing regulations and rules about just what constitutes sustainability. Just about anyone can label his or her product “sustainable.”

What this site promotes is an alternative to that. What you’ll find here is information about foodstuffs, crafts and other great products and services that are produced or provided by people (most of them local) who are stewards of their environment and who care passionately about their work.

You'll also find information about the issues that affect small ranchers and farmers and suggestions as to what you can do to help. To quote Kermit the Frog, 'It's not easy being green." The people who are trying need your help.

We welcome your suggestions and comments.