Long distance relationship = bad, long distance commute = bad, long distance rates = bad. Unless you're referring to a sport (long distance running, long distance swimming, etc), distance is generally bad. Well folks, when food and distance mix, it is also bad.
Let's explore Food Miles.
Food Miles are a way of attempting to measure how far food has travelled before it reaches the consumer. It is the concept of looking at the environmental impact of foods and their ingredients. Globalization and free/fair trade agreements have allowed for food to travel even further than before, this means thinking of where your food comes from and considering the impact food travel has on us, you can do this by measuring the pollution the food has caused.
Think about the distance the food has travelled to get to you. Was it by plane? Boat? Road?
You can find out the impact your food has on the environment by going to Foodmiles.com.
What can you do to reduce the impact your food has on the environment?
- Buy local!
- Grow your own food
These two ways not only decrease the impact food miles have on our lives but by growing your own food or buying local, you may also be decreasing the number of GMOs you consume.
It is understandable that not every item on your grocery list has to come from a local market. Start with buying your apples from local farmers, any small act helps send a message that consumers want to reduce "food mileage".
It is understandable that not every item on your grocery list has to come from a local market. Start with buying your apples from local farmers, any small act helps send a message that consumers want to reduce "food mileage".
