Great Green Idea: Green Eating: Support Your Local Community While Protecting the Environment

Support Your Local Community While Protecting the Environment

There are a great number of reasons to buy from the local community. It is important to support the local community. Many small businesses depend upon the local residents. Small businesses go out of business each year simply because local consumers shop at big conglomerates instead of at their local establishments. Fresh fruits and vegetable are available from small, local farms. These farmers are usually second, third, and even fourth generation farmers. The produce they have available is healthier to eat as well as fresher than that available at large grocery stores. Produce from large grocery stores is often shipped by large diesel trucks. Sometimes this produce is shipped from other countries. This leaves a much large carbon footprint upon the earth. Produce that is shipped from abroad is generally treated with chemicals to keep it fresh during shipping. Produce from local farms leaves a much smaller carbon footprint and does not need to be chemically treated.

Locally grown food is a sustainable venture. Producing sustainable food means farmers are Eco conscious in their growing methods. They take measures not to harm the environment. These local farmers generally pay fairly, employ methods that do not bring unnecessary harm to animals, and support the local community. Buying local does not always ensure that the produce is sustainable. There are sometimes local farmers who use pesticides, herbicides, antibiotics, and hormones. Generally this is not the case. It is very easy to check and see if local farmers use sustainable methods. Many grocery stores carry produce from abroad and from local farmers. Consumers should buy locally and ask questions about how the food was raised. This information is usually readily available at the store.

Communities that buy locally support their local economy. Many of these small farms have been in their community for generations. These are hardworking people who strive to protect their land. Local farmers leave a significantly smaller carbon footprint upon the earth. Local farms do not have to ship as far and create much less carbon dioxide emissions. They also create much less carbon emissions through their farming practices. This reduces the impact on the earth's climate. Local farmers generally use packaging methods that minimizes material usage. Local farming results in richer soil and many of these farmers employ crop rotation. This protects the soil from erosion and helps control disease. This helps ensure less disease without the use of harmful chemicals. All of these factors protect the environment, as well as the local economy.

Produce shipped from abroad leaves a large carbon footprint. It surprises many just how far certain foods must travel to be on the dinner table. Some carrots may travel almost 2,000 miles before they reach the table. These large industries use fossil fuels to fuel for equipment and transporting food. They also use significant amounts of chemicals in food production. Many people believe the biggest carbon dioxide emissions are caused by fueling machinery and transportation. This is, in fact, not the case. The largest amounts of emissions come from chemical usage and production. There are numerous reasons to buy locally. One simple and easy decision reduces carbon emissions, protects the environment, supports local economies, and ensures families eat healthy.