With Earth Day almost upon us, it is important not to overlook the importance of incorporating locally grown foods into our Go Green plans. And, as it turns out Houston makes it is pretty easy! Eco-conscious restaurants and farmers' markets are sprouting up all around Houston, with menus ranging from spa fare to gourmet cuisine, all in an effort to use local or organic ingredients and recycled materials. The markets sell locally grown fruit and vegetables, locally raised meats, and locally prepared foods, eggs, honey and items such as handcrafted soap.

The Nationally accepted definition of a farmers market is usually defined as "local" as grown within 150 miles. But, as always, individual markets may operate under their own guidelines with respect to local, organic, or pesticide-free practices, so always ask before you buy! Here are just a few locally acclaimed restaurants and markets popular with Houston’s Eco-Foodies.

Oh My! Pocket Pies, located at 1005 Saint Emanuel Street for lunch, is a personal favorite, serving up pocket sized, comfort foods including Chicken Chile Relleno and Chicken Pot Pie. Recently teamed up with Rev Houston, Houston's one and only eco-shuttle service, to offer the immediate downtown area lunch delivery! To get fresh, local food delivered to your door just call 281-650-4514, place your order between 11a.m. - 2p.m.

T’afia, located at 3701 Travis in Midtown, host a local farmers market every Saturday from 8 am. – 1 p.m. (rain or shine) and serves an eclectic organic dinner menu Tuesday through Saturday.

Beaver's Ice House, located at 2310 Decatur Street is a true community effort of like-minded entrepreneurs who want to make Houston a great place to live with owners including Monica Pope, Executive Chef and Owner of the above referenced t'afia, and Jon Deal, Owner of El Patio and Sammy's.

Green Market at Discovery Green, located at 1500 McKinney and open year-round from 12 - 4 p.m. Sundays. Operated by Central City Co-Op, the market offers some prepaid items for co-op members as well as market purchases for passers-by. Visit their web site www.centralcityco-op.org/discoverygreen.html

DiIorio Farms and Roadside Market, located on Business U.S. 290 in Hempstead and open daily from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 800-460-2688 or visit their web site www.diioriofarms.com for more information.

Sandy's Farmers Market, located at 12171 Katy Freeway and open Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit their web site www.sandysmarket.com or call 281-870-9999 for more information.

The Farmers Market at Clear Lake Shores along FM 2094 just west of the Clear Lake Road intersection and open 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. 12x12 tents or spaces are available for vendors. Visit sites.google.com/site/farmersmarketatcls/Home, contact at 281-782-6165 or email bonita.taylor@comcast.net.