Local Food vs. Imported Food: Which is Better for the Environment?
Food choices are not only about taste, health, and culture but also about the environment. The carbon footprint of food production, transportation, and storage plays a significant role in determining the environmental impact of the food we eat. One of the debates in the food industry is whether buying local food or imported food is better for the environment. In this blog post, we’ll compare local food and imported food in terms of sustainability and the impact on the environment.
What is Local Food?
Local food refers to food that is grown or produced within a specific geographic region, typically within a 100-mile radius of where it is sold. Local food systems promote food security, support local farmers, and reduce the environmental impact of food transportation.
What is Imported Food?
Imported food, on the other hand, is food that is transported from one region or country to another. This food may be transported by land, sea, or air and often travels thousands of miles from where it was produced to the consumer's plate.
Comparison of Local Food and Imported Food
Environmental Impact
The transportation of food is responsible for 11% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is a significant impact on the environment, and the distance that food travels is a major contributor to these emissions. In general, locally grown food has a smaller carbon footprint than imported food due to shorter distances traveled.
A study by the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture found that the average distance food travels from farm to plate in the United States is 1,500 miles. This distance represents a significant amount of fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution.
Food Waste
Another important factor to consider is food waste. Imported food often has a longer shelf life due to the need for it to be transported long distances, whereas local food has a shorter shelf life. This can result in more food waste for imported food due to spoilage or expiration.
According to a report from the National Resources Defense Council, up to 40% of food produced in the United States is wasted. This waste is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and has a significant impact on the environment.
Cost
The cost of food is another important factor to consider. In general, local food is more expensive than imported food due to the higher costs associated with production. However, the cost of imported food may not always reflect the true cost of environmental impact, such as greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both local food and imported food have their benefits and drawbacks in terms of sustainability and the environment. Buying local food supports local farmers and reduces the environmental impact of transportation. On the other hand, imported food often has a longer shelf life and can be less expensive. Ultimately, the decision to buy local or imported food depends on personal preference, budget, and beliefs.
References
- Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture. (n.d.). Food transportation: The forgotten link in the food system. Retrieved from https://www.leopold.iastate.edu/sites/default/files/pubs-and-papers/2011-11-food-transportation.pdf
- National Resources Defense Council. (2017). Wasted: How America is Losing Up to 40% of Its Food from Farm to Fork to Landfill. Retrieved from https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/wasted-2017-report.pdf