When we think of world travelers, we imagine avid adventurers with a hankering for the many
beautiful sights our globe has to offer—from the peaks of Machu Picchu to the pools of the Taj
Mahal. But, what about your dinner? Surprisingly enough, the food on your plate travels an average
of 1,500 miles before it arrives in your shopping cart! It probably rode on a variety of trucks
and even an airplane or boat to get here, most of which use increasingly expensive, polluting fuel.
Not to mention all the resources it takes to package traveling food in order to avoid bruising and
spoilage. In fact, many states import foods from distant countries that are already produced in
their own backyards–like apples in Oregon and oranges in California.
Luckily, this problem has an appetizing solution: eat locally! Not only do locally-produced foods
travel far less miles to reach your breakfast nook, they are also more likely to taste better and be
better for you. After all, the longer fresh food sits, the more nutrients (and taste) go to waste. Eating
locally also has the benefit of supporting your neighboring farmers. Here are some quick tips for
finding food that will sate your hunger while benefiting your community and our planet:
- Embrace your local farmer’s market. For a complete listing of farmer’s markets, as well as
farms that produce local foods and other products like soaps and flowers, visit
http://www.localharvest.org. You’ll be surprised by the bounty of our community.
- Join a CSA. Community Supported Agriculture develops relationships between farms and families by
offering shares in a local farm. Families become "members" by making a financial commitment
to the farm and then receive a weekly box of produce in return. To find a CSA near you, visit
http://www.localharvest.org.
- Check the labels. Federal law is requiring county-of-origin labeling on all beef, lamb, pork,
perishable agricultural commodities, and peanuts by September, 2008. Many of these products already have
labels–be aware of where your food comes from and try to pick those that traveled the shortest distance.
- Eat seasonally. Although strawberries in January may be a nice treat, they aren't necessary an ecologically
sound choice. Fall in line with nature and eat accordingly–you can preserve the tastes of your favorite season
by buying in bulk and freezing, dehydrating, and/or canning your food.
For more information of eating locally, visit these websites:
Additional source:
http://www.ams.usda.gov/
< back
