Use the Source!

(Note: This is Part 4 of our series “Building a Better Future with Buy From Friends.” If you haven’t already read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3, please do so now. And then, jump back in!)

This motivated us to start our own micro-movement coined Sourceatarianism. At its core, this is an orientation to transparency, accountability, and authenticity regarding the origins of the food we purchase. It means we can trace that food back to its source, and either track its progress from the point of planting, picking, processing, producing, packaging and transporting. And, or — we can vouch for the integrity of the person/company in charge of that process. From worker treatment and fair wages to environmental and nutritional hygiene, all roads lead back to the source.  

We came up with the concept of Sourceatarianism on an eco-tourist trip to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region of Colombia, South America. Prior to that excursion, I would’ve identified as strictly vegan, for a myriad of reasons associated with the inhumane treatment of factory-farm imprisoned animals. But on this trip, Stephen and I encountered a serious issue; we were expending thousands of calories per day hiking steep mountain terrains with 40-pound backpacks, and the vegan options on offer were little more than rice and fried plantains. We were burning a hole through our energy stores and needed protein, stat! 

But this was a unique opportunity to see, first-hand, where that protein would be coming from. In these small, remote mountain and coastal villages, you could watch the young men and their elders walking along the sandy shores of the Caribbean tossing hand nets into the water, waiting to fill their buckets with fish; and whatever extra would become the catch of the day served in the local restaurants. You could see small children playing in the open, communal yards, chasing around the same chickens who would lay the eggs used for the next morning’s breakfast. 

We didn’t see animals in cages; nor did we see their overconsumption beyond the point of need. Their portions were modest, and supplemented the bounty of fruits, veggies, and legumes that grew so abundantly. We observed reciprocity between the people and the land, and a respect for plant and animal life that supported them and their livelihoods. We had a sense that this was how food was meant to be attained, with appreciation and balance. And we felt at ease in our hearts accepting its nutrients as nourishment. That became our new barometer.

Of course, this was a rare and privileged experience. We don’t take that for granted. Unfortunately, urban sprawl, offshore manufacturing and cheap online shops have made it harder for people to attend to the cycle of life so intimately. But we can change that! One family at a time, one small adjustment at a time, we can choose to be source-informed about our food, services and material goods. It may sound daunting, but next month, we’ll identify helpful tools we’ve picked up along the way!

Check out our brand-new SHOP to peruse our for-purchase products, including Nicole’s photography! And, if you’d like to place a special order for our artisanal jams and popsicles (in bulk!), simply fill out our simple, customized form.