Eat Local

Did you know that when we sit down to eat a meal, each food ingredient has typically travelled at least 1,500 miles?

Transporting food long distances burns more fuel and results in more pollution.  Food that is grown near your home travels less. Less transport means a cleaner environment. 

Fruits and vegetables purchased from a supermarket or a big-box store have often been in transit or cold-storage for days or weeks. In comparison, fruits and vegetables that you buy at your local farmer's market have usually been picked in the last 24 hours and are ripe before picked.  Freshness tastes better and is also more nutritious!

Remember to read labels to find out where your food is from.  Look for foods that have traveled the least amount of ‘food miles’ from farm to plate. 

Here are some ways you can make eating local happen.

Eat in season

We are fortunate to live in BC – an area that is perfect for growing many fruits and vegetables. Nectarines taste better in the summer because they are locally grown and at their peak taste.  It’s also the least expensive time of year to buy them.    

• Look for buy BC logo on products to identify foods that are BC grown, BC produced or BC made. 
• Visit a local farmers’ market or farms in your area.  To find a farmers’ market near you, go to www.bcfarmersmarket.org
• Support restaurants that use local and seasonal food ingredients
• Stop and shop at a roadside produce stands
• Ask the produce manager at your supermarket to bring in more local products

Eat low on the food chain

It takes more land to produce meat products than it does to produce vegetables, fruits and grains. This means less "nature" for us to play and live in. To save money and lighten your carbon footprint, try to include meat-less meals with plant-based protein sources such as beans and lentils once a week, or more.     

Enjoy your food

It is almost impossible to "eat green" 100 percent of the time. Make wise and healthy choices as often as you can. Take time to enjoy the foods you eat as you nourish your body.

Grow your own

Gardening is a relaxing and rewarding hobby.  Seeds and plants, even organic, can cost next-to-nothing and nothing tastes better than homegrown tomatoes fresh off the vine.  If you don’t have space for a garden, you can grow plenty of produce and herbs in containers. 

If you haven’t grown vegetables before, don’t be intimidated.  Start with something simple like peas, zucchini or tomatoes.  There is plenty of help available from your local garden shop, the internet, and the library.   

Involve your kids in growing fruits and vegetables.  They are more likely to eat vegetables they have grown.

Remember every time you buy something from a local producer, you are creating a positive ripple in the local economy. Every time you grow, catch, or make something yourself, rather than importing from outside Canada, you are contributing positively to the global environment.  You are also getting food that is fresher, more flavourful and healthier.