Sustainability Initiative - Billings Farm and Museum, Woodstock VT

Join the Sustainability Challenge!

Everything comes with a cost – especially food. We’re not just talking about the money used to buy food, but also the resources used to get it to the store in the first place. The carbon footprint of what we eat can be vast and we’re aiming to reduce that through our Eat Local sustainability initiative.

Find more information here about sourcing local food, delicious recipes, and how you can participate in the Billings Farm & Museum sustainability initiative.

Monthly Recipe

November: Tourtiere
Total Miles: 0!

Click here to download recipe

How Low Can You Go?

The fewer miles your food travels before it lands on your dinner table can mean a smaller carbon footprint. Download the worksheet and calculate the miles your meal traveled before you ate it. Tell us about it for a chance to win Billings Farm Cheese. Email Info@billingsfarm.org , message or tag us on Facebook or Instagram, or use the hashtag #EatLocalBFM. Please include name and email address.

Download How Low Can You Go Worksheet

Recipes

Check here each month for the recipe of the month featuring local ingredients.

This month’s recipe is Tourtiere.

Tourtiere

Find Past Recipes Here

April

Mac & Cheese Recipe

May

Honey Roasted Carrots

June

Asparagus with Cheese Sauce

July

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

August

Corn Fritters

September

Grilled Cheese with Tomato

October

Cider Donut Muffins

November

Poutine

December

Maple Baked Beans
Farmer's Markets

Find a farmer’s market near you and experience food freshness like never before!

Farmer’s markets are not only a wonderful way to reduce your carbon footprint but are also a place full of knowledgeable people ready to help you eat locally. You can find Billings Farm cheddar cheese at the Market on the Green in downtown Woodstock on Wednesdays in June-October from 3:00-6:00.

The National Farmers Market Directory is a great site that lets you search for markets all over the country. Fine one near you!

National Farmers Market Directory
Farm Stands

Farm stands are a great source of fresh foods straight from the farm!

You’ll find fruits, veggies, meats, and eggs at many farm stands. You might even stumble upon other delicious farm-fresh foods like hand-churned ice cream, milk, or handmade pasta and breads. Find a farm stand near you and see what you discover!

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA) website lets you search for Vermont farm stands near you.

Find Vermont Farm Stands Here
Co-ops

Food Cooperatives (Co-ops) are independent grocery stores owned by community members.

These are excellent places to find local foods and goods. You can join your local co-op and have a say in what they sell! Co-ops are open to all, not just members, so check out your local co-op today!

Find a co-op near you!
Garden & Community Gardens

Interested in gardening but don’t have the space? Community gardens are the answer!

Community gardens provide community members a space to garden, share information and their harvest, and work together. Beginners may find experienced gardeners who are excited to show them the ropes and get their hands dirty (or soil-y).

The American Community Gardening Association lets you search for community gardens near you.

Find a garden here!
Past Sustainability Initiatives at Billings Farm & Museum

April 22: How did it become Earth Day?
Learn how Earth Day became an annual celebration and reminder to take care of the earth.

51 Things You Can Do to make it Earth Day Every Day
Earth Day celebrated its 51st year in 2021. Try some of these suggestions to ‘green-up’ your life!

Let’s talk about Compost!
There are a lot of ways to make compost in your own backyard.

Does Billings Farm & Museum Compost?
Find out how Billings Farm & Museum is composting across our whole site.

Was the Green Mountain State always so forested?
Learn the surprising history of Vermont’s native forests.

How is Land Management practiced at Billings Farm & Museum?
There are many ways to manage our natural landscape.
Activities & Crafts

Crafting with Plarn

Do you know what plarn is? It’s a fun way to turn plastic grocery bags into plastic yarn! Find how to instructions and craft ideas here.

Newspaper Craft
Get into recycling and make something fun! Create Earth Day party hats (or boats!) with old newspapers. Follow these easy instructions.

Birdfeeder Craft

You can make all kinds of birdfeeders from recycled materials like cardboard milk jugs, soda bottles, and cans! Here’s a fun craft to make at home and you’ll get to watch the birds coming to your feeder to eat! Download the instructions here.