Paradise
puts farmers' market in a new spot -- the Internet
By Cody
Littlewood
September 29, 2008 | PARADISE -- The City Council in
an effort to eliminate food waste has decided to implement
a "Farmers' Market," but unlike traditional markets
this one will not be an outdoor market or even an indoor
one. It will be online.
The creators of this market will create a forum on
the City of Paradise website: http://paradise.utah.gov.
The forum will allow members of the community to post
their excess produce from their harvest with their telephone
number and email. Citizens that are in need of fresh
produce will be able contact the seller to obtain the
goods.
There is also talk of allowing other goods to be posted
on the site. This would greatly help citizen's network
goods and services allowing a micro-economy inside the
city. As well it would allow for a greater selection
of goods because the city has only one small general
store.
This idea has intrigued citizens of other cities as
well. Colton Hansen, Logan resident, said, "Not only
does this idea help cut food costs, but it also provides
a Farmers' Market that is convenient for people with
time commitments. The Farmers Market in Logan is great,
but I often can't make it due to work."
Other citizens have mentioned that it would be a great
way to put money back into the community as well instead
of purchasing from a corporation.
"I would much rather spend my money buying from a
neighbor than Wal-Mart," said Logan resident Brian Clark.
He also went on to argue that it will increase the social
conscience in a small community not only by cutting
out the corporations, but by being eco-friendly.
This market would use very little to no resources
to create. All of the buying and selling will be done
person to person, and the posting will be completely
digital. This allows for zero construction, paper, or
impact to the environment.
The City Council debated for a while as to whether
or not enough of the citizens have the Internet, but
Margaret Obray convinced the council saying, "I asked
all of my students, and a surprising number of them
have the internet, at least 90 percent. If they have
the Internet their parents do as well."
This new market will go online within the week. If
a citizen is interested in selling a good but does not
have access to the Internet they may contact Mathew
Weaver through the city office.
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