Are You a Locavore?
The following is a post from Jennie Lyon. She is going to be another new writer here, once I get her set up and running. This post was originally published on her site, Sweet Greens. Stay tuned for more from Jennie!
There are so many reasons to eat locally and even more reasons why purchasing food that is shipped across the globe isn’t earth friendly.
Shipping food long distances consumes enormous amounts of fossil fuels and generates massive amounts of C02 emissions. In order to transport foods long distances, it is often picked before it has ripened and then processed in factories to artificially ripen it with preservatives and irradiation. Neither of the processes is healthy for you or the environment.
So what can you do?
Become a locavore. A locavore is someone who eats locally grown and produced foods. There are many venues that you (as a locavore) can access for local foods. There are farmer’s markets, co-ops, CSA programs, local grocery stores (that carry locally grown & produced foods), or you can grow your own. Also, when you eat out, try to choose restaurants that use local foods.
If you decide to grow your own food, you have complete control over what you put into your body. Forgo the huge lawn and plant a garden instead. Share what you can’t eat with your neighbors or organize a food swap. Not only will your garden grow, but so will your relationship with the Earth and your neighbors.
Have an iPhone? Purchase the Locavore app for $2.99 and it can help you find food that is in season where you live, find your local farmer’s market and much more.
Are you a locavore?
