Positive Effects of Locavorism on the Planet and Our Lives

People who consider themselves to be locavores eat a diet of mostly local foods. This means the food comes from places within a 100-mile radius, or from a particular region. While locavorism may have a negative impact on their diet, such as a lack of variety, it may have numerous positive effects on the planet and on our lives. How can society benefit from locavorism?

Reduces Shipping Costs

Locally-grown food costs less to transport because it is transported across a smaller area. We are helping to save the planet when we buy local food because it reduces shipping costs. It costs us a lot of valuable resources to ship food thousands of miles overseas, which also helps to reduce our carbon footprint.

Helps Local Businesses

Many people prefer to support local businesses. Why? Purchasing food from local business helps improve the local economies -- and when you buy locally, your money is going to your neighbors and the neighboring farmers, rather than to large corporations that may be located in another state, or even another country.

Contains Dangerous Outbreaks

Fewer people are affected by salmonella (and numerous other) outbreaks when they buy locally. When tainted foods are spread across the country, everyone goes into panic mode. Buying product from local farmers and ranchers helps contain those outbreaks, affecting far fewer people.

Better for Overall Health

Local food is fresher and, overall, healthier for the people who eat it. Not only does it help keep outbreaks of dangerous microorganisms contained, but it is often grown organically. Of course, not all farmers use organic practices, but if you grow your own food, you can be assured it is not infected with dangerous chemicals.

Provides Sense of Community

What is more meaningful: picking up a dozen eggs from the grocery store or buying eggs from your neighbors? Locavorism brings people back in touch with where their food comes from, and we can understand how it affects our lives. It also provides a sense of community within local growers that is difficult to break.

Locavorism has numerous positive effects on the environment and on our lives. Although there are negative impacts to eating a strictly locavore diet, it can help out local businesses while reducing shipping costs. It is also better for our overall health, containing dangerous outbreaks and providing a sense of community amongst local growers.

References:
Becoming Locavore
Locavore: A New Old Way of Eating