A goal of a local food system might be to minimize food transport distance, known as food miles. A consumer report published in 2003 by The Guardian newspaper in the UK found that a selection of 20 fresh food items purchased from British supermarkets had travelled an average of 5,000 miles each[1]; in North America, an average fresh food transport distance of 1,000-1,500 miles is often cited. Transport costs must consider weight as well as distance. If food is processed, it may lose weight compared with unprocessed food. To the extent it is processed nearer production, less weight is transported a longer distance. If it is processed by the consumer, more weight may be transported, though the trip from production to processing can be avoided. The amount of fossil fuel consumed and CO₂ emissions released in the atmosphere of more local, unprocessed food compared with less local, processed food are thus ambiguous. This issue is addressed by the field of regional science.

reference link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_food

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alorenk says:

Encourage your local grocers to add origin to produce and other pricetags. Very helpful, as are farmer's markets and growing your own. Apllies to other than food too.....support smaller, local stores and especially any you want to be able to continue shopping at.

posted 12/31/08 at 05:05 AM

 

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