Eating Locally

Buying local food not only helps local farmers thrive, it reduces energy consumption. Estimates on how long the average food travels from pasture to plate range from 1,200 to 2,500 miles. A lot of energy is expended freezing, refrigerating, and trucking that food around. Eating locally grown food means less fossil fuel burned in preparation and transport. Local food is often healthier, too. Even when it’s not organic, small farms tend to use fewer chemicals on their produce, fruits and meats than large factory farms.

Many grocery stores label from where the fruits, vegetables, meats, and other fresh foods they sell come from. Make a point to buy local when possible. Or visit your local farmer’s market, co-op or local resources.

Learn more at the New American Dream