Basis is the Lazy Eater's CSA

Last year, I joined a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in my neighborhood. Despite the proximity to my apartment, I routinely forgot or neglected to pick up my produce. Bundles of chard and parcels of tomatoes went uncollected, and I spent just as much on groceries as usual. This year, I opted out of my local CSA but I've found something even better - at least for someone like me, who has a wacky schedule and a poor memory.

Basis, a New York-based CSA service, launched early this year. I heard about it from my friend Emily, Bon Appetit web mistress, who has fresh produce delivered to her office every week. You can sign up for as much or as little as you want, and in addition to basic fruit and vegetable shares, you can add on dairy, eggs, meat, grains, bread. After you place your order, pick up your bounty at a neighborhood drop point or have it delivered directly to you. You miss the experience of shopping at the farmers' market but it's a low-stress, affordable way to shop sustainably, locally, and healthily. There's also an incentive to get your friends or officemates on the locavore wagon too - the more people, the lower the delivery fee. Even if you're not ready to commit, it's a great gift idea - I just bought a share as a wedding gift for a food-loving couple.