Ask:
I've been thinking about this for a while. Is it better for me (environmentally speaking) to buy local produce or organic produce (assuming I can't get local produce that is organic). I keep thinking about how many tons of emissions are used to drive my fruits and veggies to me when I could get them at the local farmer's market or local produce in the grocery store.
And then, this week Time Magazine - on the cover was this very topic. Here is the link to the article.
What are your thoughts? Local or organic? If you had to choose.
Answer:
I've seen a lot about this lately. For me, ideally it would be both. But if I had to choose, I would choose the veggies w/o all the pesticides on them.
Answer:
Originally Posted by treehugger
I've seen a lot about this lately. For me, ideally it would be both. But if I had to choose, I would choose the veggies w/o all the pesticides on them.
I agree with Treehugger!
When it comes down too it I would prefer to put my health first. Maybe someday the local farmers will catch on!
Answer:
I agree - try to avoid the pesticides, which can build up in your body. I do worry about ecoli and bugs on the organic ones, and they are so expensive, comparatively. My kids also wonder at the imperfections. I grew up eating from a garden, so I really don't understand all the imperfect looking veggies and fruits. Even organic, it still doesn't taste like it's from a garden!
Answer:
In my opinion, local trumps organic anyday. Organic produce that is grown hundreds if not thousands of miles away, lose a LOT of nutrients during travel time and most have to be picked underripe and they will NEVER taste as fresh as something grown just down the street. If you scrub vegetables well under running water and/or peel them, I think it is MUCH better to buy local.
Answer:
Originally Posted by treehuggingmom
In my opinion, local trumps organic anyday. Organic produce that is grown hundreds if not thousands of miles away, lose a LOT of nutrients during travel time and most have to be picked underripe and they will NEVER taste as fresh as something grown just down the street. If you scrub vegetables well under running water and/or peel them, I think it is MUCH better to buy local.
I think I have to agree with all that I've read on it recently. I do give them a good wash and scrub before using them but they have a lot more nutrients in them when they've been recently picked and they haven't travelled so far.
I notice your new, treehuggingmom. Welcome to the forums. Be great to have you join us here.
Answer:
I am starting to buy more organic, but in the summer my city has a little fresh market and some of that is just local while some is local and organic. I will buy lots there no matter. It always tastes so much better!
Answer:
In many areas you can find local Community Supported Agriculture Farms (CSA). You can purchase a share in the farm and get fresh organic produce all summer and fall.
Here is a link to help you find a local farm.
We personally do a combo of organic and non organic. I love organic eggs, creamy organic milk and mmmm organic potatoes.
Jen