I agree that none of us can "do it all," and also take a realistic approach to food shopping. I do the best I can, when I can. I have found that it has become a habit to shop locally as much as I can; a part of the routine instead of an inconvenience. It all started with making small changes, buying organic for organics' sake, and has influenced other, larger lifestyle changes along the way, buying a chest freezer and a quarter cow, for example.

Anyway, that's just a long way of saying, thanks, and hope this inspires someone else to take a few small steps. You never know where they will lead!

I have a hierarchy of shopping. Farmers’ Market first when possible, then First Alternative Co-op, then Richey’s, then Fred Meyer (fairly large organic section), and yeah… sometimes Safeway or even 7-11 when in a rush. There are certain foods with which I refuse to compromise — meat, eggs, and dairy must be local and organic/free range or I don’t buy them. Most of my produce is at least organic, if not also local, though sometimes frozen. But yes, I buy bananas, pineapple, and sometimes chocolate.

There’s nothing better than buying produce in season from the farmers’ market. But even baby steps are improvements over big chain/imported a gazillion miles/covered in pesticide foods. I make the effort for the environment, for my family’s health, and for the sheer delicious taste of a perfect Oregon blueberry or a cucumber picked at the peak of ripeness when the temperature heats up.

Balance, balance balance!