|
Increasing awareness, decreasing carbon emissions |
April 22 marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, a holiday promoting
environmental awareness around the globe. Individuals, corporations and
organizations must carry their weight in a push for a greener Earth.
Eco-conscious Jim Hiller scouts out top-of-the-line locally produced fare to lessen Hiller’s carbon footprint and raise awareness of the benefits of eating food produced close to home. As a result of Jim’s quest, Hiller’s proudly announces the addition of locally raised Aunt Betsy’s Chicken to its seven stores.
 Raised on a solar-powered farm in Brighton, Michigan, Aunt Betsy’s chickens are given organic feed and are not caged, leading to leaner chickens.
“Fossil fuels are consumed in vast quantities daily by trucks delivering food products to market,” warns Earth Day organizers. Not the case with Aunt Betsy’s Chicken, which never leaves the state of Michigan during its farm to fork journey.
Tom Coates, co-founder of Aunt Betsy’s Chicken, is all about protecting the environment and promoting his home state.
“We searched until we found a local processor and we found one in Caro, Michigan, which means we will be creating new jobs there,’ said Coates.
When Jim heard about the mom-and-pop business in Brighton where the chickens listen to classical music and tunes by Barry White, he had to investigate.
“Aunt Betsy's is the closest to pure natural farm chicken that I had eaten in many years,” explained Jim. “Customers who remember what chicken tasted like when they bought it from a farmer will be thrilled.”
More than one billion people in 190 countries will be taking action for Earth Day, pledging to buy more locally generated food, increase energy efficiency and advance renewable energy.
“It is important that humans begin supporting organic or small farms, local production and sustainable techniques,” Earth Day advocates add.
Reaching for Aunt Betsy’s Chicken, found in all Hiller’s Markets for $3.99 a pound, is a small way to make a big difference for the planet.
|
Voices 
