One of the most common buzzwords among today’s health and socially-conscious consumers is “organic”.  In case you don’t know, organic produce is grown under the restrictions of certain standards, mainly without artificial fertilizers, pesticides and other unnatural processes.

There are obvious advantages to using only organic produce in your cooking.  For example, many pesticides and artificial additives are not exactly good for you and while a vast majority of extremely harmful things have been banned altogether, it’s always a good idea to avoid putting artificial chemicals and such in your diet.

However, something that is commonly overlooked when buying groceries is exactly where, for example, your tomatoes came from.  Sure, you could be buying organic brocolli but where exactly has it been shipped from?

It’s always a good idea to purchase food that is grown or otherwise produced locally.  Sure, buying organic is better for your personal health but it can be argued that purchasing local is better for the world as a whole.  Why?

Buying local reduces fossil fuel use

And at the same item, that reduces pollution.  Food that is grown anywhere other than your city has to get there via plane, train, truck, boat, jetpack or hovercraft.  Unless sherpas are shlepping your carrots to your local market, it took some sort of fossil fuel-powered vehicle before it landed in your grocery basket.  That isn’t to say that locally grown produce is fossil-free, however.  I mean, it’s not like we use donkeys in the 21st century.  However, the shorter travel distance makes a massive difference to the earth.

Buying local supports local businesses and farmers

The agriculture industry is massive but farmers actually recieve a relatively small piece of the pie.  It is especially difficult for farmers that aren’t part of giant conglomerates and such.  Purchasing local stimulates your city’s economy by ensuring that money is recirculated locally.  Money that goes to local business is likely to also be spent locally.

Also, supporting local farmers ensures that they’ll stay in business, so their large plots of land won’t suddenly become more parking lots.

Buying local means you get fresher produce

It may surprise you to learn that the majority of the “fresh” produce you get at supermarkets is actually harvested, packed and travelling for days or even a week before it gets to your shopping cart.  Buying local means your lettuce spends less time wilting in the back of a delivery truck and more time in your salad.

Buying local…isn’t always possible

Obviously you’re not going to be able to purchase a wide variety of locally grown produce in certain parts of the world.  Strawberries don’t exactly grow very well in Alaska.  Even in a part of the world like British Columbia, it’s not always possible to buy the freshest local produce all year round due to the climate.

At the same time, you should always be aware of any issues in regard to what you’re purchasing.  Just because it came from a farm down the street doesn’t mean it’s entirely free of unhealthy chemicals or fertilizers.  However, in general, smaller, local farms use less industrial assistance than a large, contracted farm whose only purpose is to grow as much, as big and as fast as possible.

Ask questions.  People in charge at your local supermarket will likely know where their veggies are from and usually, the stickers and labels and such are decent indications.