Organic food is a $15 billion business here in the America. The organic economy is bolstered, among other things, by food safety awareness and a desire for sustainable production. But organic food is something a double-edged sword. Is it better for your body? Absolutely! But is it better for the earth? Not necessarily (shipping, packaging and expensive marketing are just a few of the ills you fund when you buy organic).

As a result, a new food movement has gained popularity across the country. Instead of shopping at natural grocery stores that sell organic products from afar, these consumers buy directly from local farmers through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

In case you don't know what a CSA is (I didn't), a word of explanation might be in order:

Community Supported Agriculture groups consist of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders" of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production.

If thinking globally, but acting locally is something you aspire to, community supported agriculture is a great way to go. It's good for your body, good for your local economy and most importantly, it's good for the earth. And the best part is that there is probably an existing CSA in your town -- Local Harvest's website has a database that is searchable by zip code.