Eating your greens…locally

There has been much focus lately on the need for each person to eat foods that are grown sustainable in their local region.  Although this endeavor sounds adventuresome, it is often confusing to know why (and where) to start.  The benefits to eating local foods span the spectrum between health, environment and economic ones.  As well, there are community benefits that extend past the personal use of local foods, such as supporting farmers using sustainable practices and decreasing fuels used for transport.

The most widely known reasons to start eating regional foods are the health benefits.  Foods grown within 100-300 miles of your home travel less distance to their destination; that means that fewer nutrients are lost in transition.  Foods that are traveling in their local region are often allowed to ripen on the vine, which allows for a fuller flavor when it reaches your mouth.  In addition, these fruits and vegetables are fresher than their well-traveled cousins, allowing for you to eat with the seasons in your region.  As well, eating sustainable foods often means that fewer chemicals are used in the growing process and that translates to fewer toxins in your food.