BUY LOCAL . . . or we both starve!
Energy Conservation.
Buying locally grown foods decreases dependence on petroleum, a non- renewable energy source.
Environmental Protection.
Soil erosion; pesticide contamination of soil, air, and water; nitrate loading of waterways and wells; and elimination of planetary biodiversity are some of the problems associated with today's predominate farming methods. Organic growers use practices that protect soil, air, and water resources; and that promote biodiversity.
Cost.
Conventional food processes don't reflect the hidden costs of the environmental, health and social consequences of predominate production practices- of, for instance, correcting a water supply polluted by agricultural runoff, or obtaining medical treatment for pesticide induced illness suffered by farmers or consumers. When these and other hidden costs are taken into account, as they should be, locally grown foods are seen clearly for the value they are, even if they cost a few pennies more.
Freshness.
Locally-grown organic fruits and vegetables are usually harvested within 24 hours of being purchased by the consumer.
Taste.
Produce picked and eaten at the height of freshness tastes better.
Nutrition.
Nutritional value declines, often dramatically, as time passes after harvest. Locally-grown produce is freshest and more nutritionally complete.
Purity.
Eighty percent of American adults say they are concerned about the safety of the food they eat. Less processing means less chemical contaminants on the foods we purchase locally.
Regional Economic Health.
Buying locally grown food keeps money within the community.
Variety.
Farmers selling locally are not limited to the few varieties that are bred for long distance shipping, high yields, and shelf life.
A Step Toward Regional Food Self Reliance.
Dependency on far away food sources leaves a region vulnerable to supply disruptions, and removes any real accountability of producer to consumer. Regional food production systems, on the other hand, keep the food supply in the hands of many, providing interesting job and self-employment opportunities, and enabling people to influence how their food is grown.
Passing on the Stewardship Ethic.
When you buy locally produced food you cannot help but raise the consciousness of your friends and family about how food buying decisions can make a difference in your life and the life of your community.
And DON'T FORGET THE TRUE COSTS OF SUPERMARKET FOODS! If you have not done so, go our page " The True Costs of Food" and watch the video provide by the Sierra Club and read the information found on that page.
Buying locally grown foods decreases dependence on petroleum, a non- renewable energy source.
Environmental Protection.
Soil erosion; pesticide contamination of soil, air, and water; nitrate loading of waterways and wells; and elimination of planetary biodiversity are some of the problems associated with today's predominate farming methods. Organic growers use practices that protect soil, air, and water resources; and that promote biodiversity.
Cost.
Conventional food processes don't reflect the hidden costs of the environmental, health and social consequences of predominate production practices- of, for instance, correcting a water supply polluted by agricultural runoff, or obtaining medical treatment for pesticide induced illness suffered by farmers or consumers. When these and other hidden costs are taken into account, as they should be, locally grown foods are seen clearly for the value they are, even if they cost a few pennies more.
Freshness.
Locally-grown organic fruits and vegetables are usually harvested within 24 hours of being purchased by the consumer.
Taste.
Produce picked and eaten at the height of freshness tastes better.
Nutrition.
Nutritional value declines, often dramatically, as time passes after harvest. Locally-grown produce is freshest and more nutritionally complete.
Purity.
Eighty percent of American adults say they are concerned about the safety of the food they eat. Less processing means less chemical contaminants on the foods we purchase locally.
Regional Economic Health.
Buying locally grown food keeps money within the community.
Variety.
Farmers selling locally are not limited to the few varieties that are bred for long distance shipping, high yields, and shelf life.
A Step Toward Regional Food Self Reliance.
Dependency on far away food sources leaves a region vulnerable to supply disruptions, and removes any real accountability of producer to consumer. Regional food production systems, on the other hand, keep the food supply in the hands of many, providing interesting job and self-employment opportunities, and enabling people to influence how their food is grown.
Passing on the Stewardship Ethic.
When you buy locally produced food you cannot help but raise the consciousness of your friends and family about how food buying decisions can make a difference in your life and the life of your community.
And DON'T FORGET THE TRUE COSTS OF SUPERMARKET FOODS! If you have not done so, go our page " The True Costs of Food" and watch the video provide by the Sierra Club and read the information found on that page.