Sarah Elton, author of Locavore, is not an ‘all or nothing’ local eater. In the first chapter she states that she buys products that would otherwise be off-limit to a 100% local Canadian eater: bananas, oranges, olive oil and rice.

Instead, her point of view is, “if you can grow it here, I won’t buy it from there“.

From this point on, I knew I would love this book. This is exactly how I feel about local eating; you don’t need to give up the bananas, but you can buy the eggs/meat/dairy/wheat/root vegetables/summer produce that you do have available. And when you start looking, you’ll be surprised how much is available!

If you are a fan of In Defense of Food, Animal Vegetable Miracle, or Food Inc, you will love Locavore. It touches on many of the same issues – such as how we’re not eating real food anymore and  the power of Farmer’s Markets – and expands on what’s happening all over Canada with respect to Local Eating. From a farmer-run food coop in New Brunswick, to organic and heritage wheat in Saskatchewan, to an urban farm in Vancouver, Locavore optimistically tours Canada.

And while Canadian-focused, I’d be willing to bet that across the US similar stories are occuring. You don’t have to be Canadian to enjoy this book!

Sarah’s tips for eating locally include:

1. Ask Questions. Whether at a Farmer’s Market or grocery store, ask where your food is from.
2. Eat in Season. It tastes better anyways.
3. Avoid Processed Foods. It’s healthier too.
4. Choose organic and humanely raised meat. The largest impact you can have for local eating, and your dollar spent.
5. Voice your opinion. Tell your grocery store manager you want local potatoes

Want to win a copy of Locavore for yourself?

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One Eat Clean Live Green readers will a copy of Locavore!

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Leave a comment telling me what your city/province is known for growing or producing!

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Leave another comment for each of the following (up to 4 chances to win!)

• Follow @EatCleanLiveGrn on twitter, and tweet about the giveaway: @EatCleanLiveGrn is giving away a great read: Locavore! www.eatcleanlivegreen.com

• Link back to this giveaway on your blog

• Subscribe to Eat Clean Live Green

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This giveaway will end Friday, April 30 11 at 10 PM, MST. Winner will be drawn at random, selected from random.org. Contest open to those with Canadian shipping addresses only.

(sorry US readers! More giveaways coming soon!)

I was sent a copy of Locavore for free to review, but this review is entirely my opinion!

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