Buying
locally produced food is good for the environment, economy, society, and
health. Let’s explore each in a little more detail.
How does our
choice to eat local benefit the environment? Well, imagine buying tomatillos
from Mexico in Asia. They have to be stored in optimal conditions and transported
all the way by flight contributing to enormous pollution and carbon footprint.
In addition, huge amounts of packing materials, including plastics add to
pollution. Locally sourced food, even if not from immediate farmers markets, is
still more responsible and use of reusable bags will do away with most of the
pollution caused by single use plastic bags. In addition to this aspect,
locally grown plants that are indigenous to an area will by nature support
biodiversity there. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are produced by nature in
specific seasons for a reason. The weather and climatic conditions are most
suitable, and this is in turn related to other plants, various animals, birds, and
insects in the region. By supporting their cultivation, we help farming of
these native plants which do a world of good to that region.
By buying
locally, we support the local farmers, small stores, and hence the economy in
the region. Local businesses provide employment to residents and they in turn
spend their income in other local stores, circulating money in the local
economy, thus strengthening communities.
Shopping
locally means you might actually know your farmer! You might be able to see
your fruit and veggies growing on the trees or plants. This increases interest
in the food (maybe leading to a small home garden!), farming practices and is
an opportunity to know local communities and their businesses.
Locally
produced food is more fresh and hence more packed with nutrients. It tastes
better and if organic, will boast of even further benefits. They don’t have to
be stored for long or processed more in order to keep in optimal shape for
longer.
While tasting
exotic foods or food from far away lands is fun and a good thing, it should not
become a common and accepted practice. Homogeneous availability of produce
across the world has led to many species of plants becoming extinct. In our
focus for food security, we have done away with so many resilient species that
had naturally evolved to survive very difficult conditions. Respect of history,
diversity and eating in a more harmonious way with nature may just about save
this Earth, although many fear it is too late already!
