VegPeace.org → Local
World trade in food is a major source of greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. Fossil fuels are used to ship foods long distances. Food trade is growing rapidly. Governments promote trade. Who benefits? Big corporations and big oil.
Coconuts and durians have attained cult status among raw-fooders. They are bulky and heavy, and come from half-way around the world; that takes a lot of fuel. Then a lot of what you get is inedible husk, which is thrown away; a waste of money, and a waste of the fuel used to ship them.
The monetary price of food is what we often look at. But what is the environmental cost? Price is what you pay at the store. Cost includes the effects on the environment, society and your health. Even organically-grown brand-name packaged foods often are shipped from far away.
Buy fresh locally-grown seasonal produce. Shop at farmer's markets. Buy unpackaged grains and seeds from the bulk bins at the store. Minimize your use of exotic foods, brand name foods, imported foods and packaged foods. You'll save money, you'll be healthier, and you'll enjoy fresher, tastier foods.
VegPeace.org © Jordan Rothstein <jordan at vegpeace.org>