Last year, the New Oxford American Dictionary made locavore its word of the year.
Why is being a locavore considered green? There are several reasons.
- Locally grown food is usually grown more naturally, with fewer chemicals and pesticides than food that is grown on huge corporate farms. Often it is grown organically.
- Locally grown food doesn't have to travel far. That means that means that far fewer fuel is being used in transporting the food.
- Locally grown food is usually minimally packaged. This creates less waste.
- Choosing food from local farmers supports the small farms. If we don't support the small farms, they will continue to disappear and most of us will only have the choice of buying food that has been shipped from far away.
Some people choose to be full locavores, eating what is only locally grown and what is in season. I applaud them, but I don't see my family going over completely. I'm trying to buy more locally, and I really look forward to the farmer's market season when buying from local farms is easier.
We're also going to grow a garden this summer so that much of our food is really local.
If you can think of any other ways that being a locavore benefits the environment, let us know.
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