Going local is not defined by a specific distance. It is different for everyone. However the principle is similar - people are looking to reduce their impact on the environment, consume healthier foods and have more control over their food security. Eating 100% local can be challenging depending on where you live on the planet so for many it is simply to "eat locally whenever possible". Small conscious changes can make a big difference over time and eventually you discover that you don't need to drink coffee or you can live without strawberries in the winter months.
Nutrition
Local foods are picked ripe and are therefore contain the most vitamins and minerals. This means you get the biggest bang for your buck nutritionally. An apple that is imported from New Zealand, for example, has to be picked before it is ripe and will ripen on its journey to you. While in storage the apple will degrade and lose a great deal of its nutritional value. We have all been disappointed by an apple that is soft and flavourless instead of crispy and sweet. This apple has likely travelled far and been stored for too long. It's really quite simple. Local food is healthier for you.
Environment
The environmental impact of eating local is obvious. The closer the food is grown to you the less fossil fuel it will require to get it to you. Let's consider our apple from New Zealand. If you live in Canada this apple will travel a minimum of 13,000 kilometres to get to you. The apple will require trucking in both New Zealand and Canada as well as either a boat or a plane in between. The carbon emissions from a flight from New Zealand equate to approximately 1.47 tonnes.
It is important to understand how the food was produced because a conventional farmer in Canada who uses pesticides will have more impact on the environment than an organic farmer in Argentina but the more we are aware of where and who is producing our food, the better choices we can make.
Economics
Buying local supports the people in your community and strengthens the local economy. Typically food will be less costly because the cost of transportation and special packaging is lower.
Knowing your farmer is the best option for both parties economically. You can be aware of the farming practices and the farmer gets first hand knowledge of what the consumer is looking for.
Community Supported Agriculture is an excellent way to support a local farmer. Essentially the consumer buys a share in the annual crops in advance of the season. This gives the farmer money upfront for the cost of seed and equipment. In return the shareholder gets a weekly delivery of fresh, local produce. It is an ideal relationship between farmer and consumer.
Where Do You Start?
- Check to see where your food comes from. Most produce departments label the origin of the foods
- Talk to your local food market manager about your interest in more local choices
- Consider joining a Community Support Agriculture program (CSA)
- Support a farmer's market
- Start asking questions and research the origin of your favourite products
- Consider buying produce in bulk and preserving it
No matter what degree of the local movement you choose to take on you will make a positive impact socially, environmentally and economically. Going local will also shift you to simpler choices in other aspects of your life.
