| |
Reduce Climate Change - Make Smart Food Choices |
| ............................................................................................................. |
 |
Agriculture and food production combined are the largest industrial contributors to CO2 production. You can do your part to lessen this industry's impact on the environment by sending a clear message through your food purchases and consumption decisions.
Growing food accounts for 10% of the energy consumed in this country or an estimated 100 billion gallons of oil per year. (Source: SF Chronicle, April 20, 2007). When you add in the costs of transporting and distributing this food, the energy consumption only goes up and the negative impacts on the environment increase. We can make a difference each time we buy food by choosing to purchase locally grown and produced food. |
|
| ............................................................................................................. |
Why Buy Local?
| • |
Transportation: The distance food must travel to get to market contributes significantly to the carbon dioxide emissions associated with the food industry. Transportation accounts for 14% of the energy used by the food indsutry. |
| • |
Freshness: Food that is grown closer to home is fresher and often tastes better. Locally grown fruits and vegetables are usually sold within 24 hours after being harvested compared to those found in grocery stores that may have been harvested up to two weeks earlier and transported an average of 1500 miles. |
| • |
Unique Varieties: Local farmers often grow a large assortment of unique varieties of products to provide the most flavorful choices throughout the season. |
| • |
Support Local Economy: Provide markets for local, environmentally-sound producers and strengthen your local economy. Small, independent farms can encourage plant diversity by enriching the landscape. Such diversity also reduces soil degradation, decreases agricultural run-off into rivers and streams, and provides habitat for wildlife. |
| • |
Sustainability: Look for the organic label and buy from sustainable farmers who do not use harmful pesticides or fertilizers. |
|
|
| ............................................................................................................. |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Organic Produce |
|
| What is so special about organic food and the farming that produces it? Read on to find out about the benefits of buying organic food. >> |
|
|
|
| ...................................................... |
|
| ...................................................... |
|
| ...................................................... |
|
| ...................................................... |
|
| ...................................................... |
|
| |
|
Meat Consumption |
|
| Buying meat, eggs and milk from local ranches cuts down on fuel costs and saves the environment. Learn about organic meats and the sustainable practices to which organic ranchers must adhere. Learn more about organic meats. >> |
|
|
|
| ...................................................... |
|
| ...................................................... |
|
|
