Comments on: Food Miles and the ‘Buy Local’ Debate

By: The Purloined Letter

The Purloined Letter — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:35:38 +0000

While eating local is often promoted as the more sustainable choice for the environment, I think it is also important to consider how eating local strengthens the economy of our community and makes is potentially sustainable in a lower-fuel world. If we don’t support our local farmers, then they will not be able to continue farming. If for some reason food could not be shipped in to our just-in-time store shelves, we might be in trouble. It is in our interests to construct viable lasting communities not dependent upon global corporations.

By: Gillian

Gillian — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:49:10 +0000

Thank you for raising the issue of meat consumption and how it affects our carbon footprints. It amazes me that this subject is still so taboo, even amongst people who are keen to be green.

By: Green Bean

Green Bean — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:28:36 +0000

Interesting post. Thank you for all the stats. I do agree with eating things that are more naturally raised local and we all need to cut down on our meat and dairy consumption.

By: EJ

EJ — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:34:30 +0000

Grow your own, preserve your own/local harvest as much as possible and many of these problems are moot points.

By: Mon

Mon — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:16:23 +0000

Great post.

I’m totally with you on thinking beyond the ‘eat local’ mantra. We need to take into consideration the many aspects of our food. thinking solely of food miles can blind us to the terrible waste during production, as well as to global issues for the welfare of others.

By: Zac

Zac — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 16:22:31 +0000

beyond the impact these foods have on the greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere, you must also take into account the impact the foods you have on our dwindling water supplies. Virtual water is the calculated cost in terms of water a product requires to get to you, the virtual water for 1kg of wheat is 1,200 Liters while 1kg of beef requires more than ten times that amount at 15,000 Liters. by modifing your eating habits to less destructive foods will save not only the atmosphere but the hydrosphere aswell

By: Yukiko

Yukiko — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:13:04 +0000

You’re right. There is so much to be considered when it comes to real ways to reduce green house gasses. Choice of food groups is huge in my opinion. A good reason to buy local is not just to reduce one’s carbon footprint, but also to support the community in which one lives. I agree that it’s probably time to rethink the usefulness of growing large amounts of a non-native crop in any given place. It really doesn’t make sense from an environmental point of view.

Thanks for the great blog. I will enjoy keeping up with you.