Buy local produce seasonally
Why This is Green
By eating locally grown produce, you reduce the transportation related impact of your food choices. (That does not necessarily mean the overall environmental impact is better, due to economies of scale and where and how the food was grown, but that’s another discussion!) You’re also supporting local farms, and getting tasty food that was harvested and transported closer to peak ripeness. The nutritional content is also likely to be higher.
During growing season (spring/summer/fall) there are plenty of opportunities to buy local produce at farmers’ markets. CSA (community supported agriculture) farm shares are another great way to snag local goods, and so are winter farmers’ markets if you have one near you.
It’s getting easier to find local produce at your grocery store, too, and not only at natural food markets. Many post signs announcing if a lettuce is locally grown or not, with details on where it was grown. FYI: there is no standard distance for local. Many “locavores” eat a 100 mile diet, or go up to 150 or 200 miles. Others use the "one day drive" rule--less than 400 miles.
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How To
Look for local produce wherever is easiest for you: farmers’ markets, farm stands, CSA farm shares, natural food stores, supermarkets.
Eating local doesn’t have to be an all or nothing endeavor. Being practically, not perfectly, green means buying whatever amount of local produce makes sense for you and your family. If you have a favorite non-local recipe and want to keep it in your repertoire—by all means!
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