Why are locally grown foods more eco-friendly, anyway?
When you think of “eco-friendly,” you probably think of things like conserving energy, recycling, and reducing your carbon footprint. But what about the food we eat?
Believe it or not, our food choices can have a big impact on the environment. And when it comes to eco-friendly foods, locally grown options top the list.
Keep reading to learn more about sustainably grown food options and why they’re more eco-friendly than the heavily processed food options you’ll find at your local grocery store.
Sustainable Food Systems
So what does it mean to be “locally grown?” And why is it considered sustainable?
First, locally grown food is food that is grown and produced within 100 miles (or about 160 kilometers) or within the state of where you live or work. This distance helps ensure that your food will travel fewer miles from farm to table—which means it will have less of an environmental impact.
A “sustainable” food system is also one that’s sustainable for the environment, the community, and the farmers who produce crops or raise livestock. One way to think about it is in terms of where your food comes from. Ideally, our food should come from nearby farms that use natural growing practices, like organic farming.
If you really stop to think about it, our current food system doesn’t always meet these standards. For example, many crops are grown in one location and shipped (or flown) around the world before they’re processed and packaged for sale at the grocery store.
And while some of this transport is necessary to help us get the food we need, the process also requires the use of huge amounts of energy.
Why Growing Your Own Food Is Even More Eco-Friendly?
Of course, simply buying locally grown foods is just one piece of the eco-friendly puzzle. There’s another way to reduce your environmental impact even more—and that’s by growing your own food.
Even if you have a small patio, balcony, or even just a sunny windowsill, you can grow some of your own produce. For example, there are lots of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that are relatively easy to grow—all you need is some seeds, soil, sunshine… and maybe the help of local gardening experts from YouTube!
Many people who grow their own food start doing it as a way to save money. But as they learn more about sustainable growing practices, they also discover that this is a great way to reduce pollution and carbon emissions—and have fun in the process!
Why Are Locally Grown Foods More Eco-Friendly FAQ
Why is local foods better for the environment?
Eating local food is more sustainable. Because it doesn’t travel far when it reaches your doorstep, less gasoline is burned and less greenhouse gas is produced. And because the fruit has ripened more before being harvested, it may be healthier!
Why is locally grown food better for the economy?
Locally produced food is beneficial to the local economy. It aids in the creation of revenue for individuals and is healthy for them as well as the environment. Locally produced food is a method for people to collaborate and make a difference.
Why is local farming more likely to be sustainable?
Food transportation across long distances consumes fossil fuels and generates greenhouse gases. Buying local lowers the amount of fossil fuel used and emissions produced, which is good for the environment. Supporting local farming also means supporting biodiversity, local farmers, and the local economy.
Closing on Why Are Locally Grown Foods More Eco-Friendly?
So if you’re interested in eco-friendly foods, consider buying local produce, supporting local farmers’ markets, and even trying your hand at growing some of your own food.
Whether you grow it yourself or buy locally grown food for your family, you can feel good knowing that you’re doing your part to create a better world — one bite at a time!