Jun 18 2008
And Miles to Go Before I Eat - How Food Miles Affect You
The term ‘Food Miles‘ refers to the number of miles your food has to travel from its point of origin (or production) to your table. It is one of several variables that can affect the overall cost of the food we eat, but the impact is larger than that. Food Miles also have a direct impact on the ecological stability of our communities and the world in which we live.
This is precisely the reason why the catchphrase “Buy Local!” has been gaining momentum in recent years, and if you are looking for a way to not only save money on food but do just a little more to save the environment that sustains us at the same time, I strongly encourage you to look into local sources for your food.
Farmer’s Markets are a great place to start, but take it a few steps further as well by contacting local butcher shops about buying local meat. Sides of beef are quite cost effective even though they cost more up front and take a great deal of storage. You will find as I did that the cost of a chest freezer will be more than covered by your first purchase or two, at most.
Of course the best way to reduce food miles bar none is to grow it yourself, so if that is at all possible - even if it is one or two vegetable plants - you need to do it. How many times have I said that here already? Are you paying attention?
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Another benefit to having your own garden is that you can decide how the plants are grown and what varieties. Right now we have crookneck sqash and lemon cucumbers and they are SOOO good!
Jen @
http://happyfibrofamily.today.com
Regarding buying food locally, where I live its become the trend to price the food more expensively because local food is ‘great’. Its an unfortunate side effect of capitalism and the now attempted green revolution.
Regardless local food should be bought over the cheaper stuff, its better for you and better for the environment. YAY!