Here in Ecollo-land, we're big supporters of the eat local movement, whether that means growing your own food or getting it from the local farmers' market. There are so many great food producers in any given area, that finally locally-produced food is often readily available and is undoubtedly better for the environment.

Now, to switch gears a bit: it's safe to say you've read a fair share about swine flu concerns recently, or at the very least, are familiar with the pandemic fears surrounding the H1N1 virus. Unfortunately the fears have led to several drastic measures, including the ban of Canadian pork products by several countries including China and Russa. It would be understandable of course if the virus could be transmitted from the meat to humans, however several sources, including acting director for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, Richard Besser say that is nothing by a myth.

"You can't get this from eating pork," he said. "Cook your pork appropriately so you don't get other infectious diseases, but influenza is not transmitted from eating pork or pork products. They are safe."

Canada exports approximately two-thirds of its pork products to other countries and in a move to reassure Canadians about the safety of the product, Alberta Pork has even hosted some free lunch rallies in support of the industry.

If you live in Canada, now is a great time to show your support for local pig farmers. You don't have to do much: just visit a pork producer at your farmers' market or find a butcher that provides local meat and purchase a bit of pork for dinner (or breakfast or lunch!) in the next few weeks. Heck, take it even further and do it for a few months - it could become a long-term habit. And if you don't have a farmers' market or butcher located nearby, check the packaging of the pork at your supermarket before you buy it. If it was produced in Canada, go for it. If it wasn't - well, we won't tell you what to do, but hey, doesn't some beef, chicken or salmon sound more appetizing in that case?

By purchasing pork products produced in your own country, you'll be doing some good for the earth and helping support local farmers and businesses in the process.

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