Going Green: Farmer's Markets
Farmer’s markets are great for so many things: entertainment, a Saturday morning stroll, picking up fresh fruits and veggies for the week. However, farmer’s markets are also a viable option to help each individual reduce their carbon footprint. While looking at sustainability issues, we often tend to think on a global scale, we can make possibly a greater difference by starting with the communities in which we live. By shopping at farmer’s markets, as opposed to grocery stores and large chains like Winco or Costco, for our food, we:
- Reduce harmful emissions
from food being transported to national chains
- Invest in the local
economy
- Obtain fruits and
vegetables that are at their very freshest
In
an article about cultural sustainability through farmer’s markets, Ed Avalos
wrote: “As a nation of immigrants, we have many rich and complex influences
woven into the history of our country. Foods we eat, holidays we
celebrate, how we create goods or perform services—these are all things that
are shaped by the cultural identities of our families and the communities
around us,” (Avalos). By shopping at farmer’s markets, we can do all of these
things while supporting the local communities in which we live, and reduce our
carbon footprint.
To
find a farmer’s market in your area, visit: http://search.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/
Another great thing about farmer's markets is that many independent farmers treat their livestock better, grow fruits and vegetables with less or no chemicals (pesticides and herbicides), and encourage the use of reusable grocery bags. The people selling the food usually know a lot about the product or are the farmers themselves, and will give you tips on how to grow your own gardens, and even sell you seeds!
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