Green Challenge: Become a Localvore!
Most food travels more than 1500 miles to get to you plate. That means a typical three–course meal, with each course containing at least one ingredient—plus cooking oils, herbs and spices—travels almost half way around the world before it ends up in your mouth. The ships, trucks, trains and planes that transport our food burn tremendous amounts of fossil fuels all along the way. The typical American meal contains, on average, ingredients from five or more countries outside the United States. Asparagus makes it’s way to your plate all the way from Peru. Bell peppers often come from The Netherlands, Clementines from Spain, and blueberries hail from as far way as Chile, Argentina and New Zealand!
Green Challenge: Become a localvore and eat locally
When you go to the supermarket, check the label to see where your food comes from. If it says that it comes from your state or a state that borders yours, that’s a great first step. But if you really want to make a difference, shop at a farmer’s market, where you will find fresh, healthy, locally grown food. And, chances are, you’ll get to meet the farmer who grew the food and have the added satisfaction of knowing you are supporting the families and farms in your community.
Check out this Seasonal Ingredient Map to see what’s fresh in your area.
Green Tip: You can really eat locally by growing a garden right at home. All you need is a little plot of land, a terrace, or even a windowsill will do.
