Marhaba from the Middle East! I have recently moved to a region where food choices are quite limited, and environmental constraints on agricultural productions are obvious. Here, I don't have to worry that I might be buying something out of season--the only produce really available is local. But for those of you in the States, there are important decisions to be made regarding what you purchase from supermarkets and stands. Food travels thousands of miles to arrive in your area grocery store, and has used tons of energy in the packaging and transportation process. Part of the quest for sustainable living involves choosing to buy and cook things that have the least impact on the environment. This adventure can be an enjoyable and educational process, as one begins to learn what fruits and vegetables are naturally available nearby and at what times. Sure, we all know that pumpkins arrive in the fall--but these days, canned pumpkin is in the store year round, and heavy cans take a toll in production and transport. How about broccoli or tomatoes? Or oranges and peppers? I'm not saying that you must give up all food that can't be grown next door at a certain time, but you can make a significant difference in consciously buying your groceries with the Earth in mind! Besides cutting fossil fuel consumption, buying from local cooperatives and farmers builds great relationships and helps the economy. The trend towards local and organic food is definitely on the rise, and there are lots of great resources to introduce people to this concept. So don't just trust me--check it out!
For a more in depth discussion of the facts of how food affects the environment see The Sustainable Table
If you doubt that tasty, nutritious meals could be created from what is in season, check out my favorite cookbook "Simply in Season."
Lastly, Barbara Kingsolver has written a hilarious memoir of her adventure in living locally in the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. It is definitely worth a read and has some helpful resources and recipes inside!
Have fun living locally!
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