Did you ever wonder how much effort is needed to produce and transport food from a farm to your local chain market? Most of us don’t think about such factors when we are choosing our food from markets shelves. What we care most is the price and expiration date on the products. However transportation of food and other merchandise in general have substantial footprint on Earth’s environment which most people are not fully aware.
Did you know that roughly 25% of all American petroleum is consumed by transportation and production means. The very industrialized farming methods are far more different from methods used 50 years ago. Today most of the work is done by machines in order to cut the expenses involved in hiring people. However, machines are not “fueled” by food and water as people are but by petrol which produces pollution to the air. Not to mention marketing and transportation of food which directly or indirectly consumes tons of petrol.
When we are buying food in our local shops we have to be very responsible for our decisions. We can all decrease our footprints on environment by choosing the right products. In this particular case we should be eating local food which has many benefits not only for ourselves but also on our local community in which we live. To eat locally means simply to support local farmers by buying their products on special markets places. You are certain that the food is fresh and right from the farm because it doesn’t travel thousand of miles from some remote parts of the country. Moreover, farmers don’t waste their effort to packing and preservation of their food.
Eating locally doesn’t always means buying your food from local farmer’s communities. You can always produce your own food at the back of your house. Actually this is the best and safest solution for you because you have complete control what you have eaten even if only part of your food comes from your own resources. However, a little percent of people is able to grown their own food. The reason is simple lack of time, place or strength is enough to prevent majority of us from growing our own vegetables and fruits.
To sum up, eating locally is not some fanatic movement of green peace advocates. It is a movement of reason and logic. By simple listing all advantages and disadvantages of local food you will instantly recognize what is good for you. But as always it needs a little bit time and effort. Being aware of what you put on your plate, you will not only help the environment but also you will be certain that the food you consume serves you well.
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