How On Earth
"Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food"
How On Earth was formed by Michael & Margie Baldwin and came from their desire to support and restore local farming in their community. The goal is to educate others in the community about the benefits of organic foods that are produced from nearby farms.
With increasing concerns about our dependence on fossil fuels and a mono culture of large agribusiness, the support for local farming is even more imperative. Studies have shown that each American consumes 400 gallons of petroleum a year just from eating. This creates a huge carbon footprint for food bought at a large grocery chain. The average distance food travels from where it is grown to our kitchens is now 1700 miles and is responsible for 25% of the world's CO2 emissions. If each American ate locally just one meal a week, the country would save 1.1 million barrels of oil per week.
How On Earth provides a way for people to access meats, produce and dairy from the vast network of local farms in the Southeastern region of New England. Customers who come into their store can take advantage of their large selection of grocery items, as well as their freshly made prepared foods that utilize an assortment of seasonal produce available within The Store. There is also a CSA (Consumer Supported Agriculture) program that operates at How On Earth and is managed by Lucky Field Organics, a local farm in Rochester MA.
How On Earth is an organization which seeks to re-establish and restore the diverse agricultural use of our farmlands and the vibrant economy that accompanies quality local food production. Eating locally is easy, fun and a delicious and natural way to reduce your carbon footprint and stimulate the local economy. We must now teach each other and our children how to share and nurture the wonderful natural resources that our planet has to offer.
The Marion Institute will partner with How On Earth to enhance the Sustainable Education Initiative through unique collaborations between schools, students, farmers and chefs.
If you have questions or would like to participate in the Sustainable Education Initiative, please contact our Desa Van Laarhoven at 508.748.0816 or send your questions to desa@marioninstitute.org.
If you would like to help support the goals of How On Earth, please donate here.
Donate by mail
Please make checks made payable to the "Marion Institute" with "How On Earth" noted in the memo line and send to:
How On Earth
c/o Marion Institute
202 Spring St.
Marion, MA 02738
Ph: 508.748.0816
Fax: 508.748.1976
Desa Van Laarhoven
Executive Director
desa@marioninstitute.org
