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Natural Life Magazine, July/August 2005 Q: I live in a city and have been trying to eat organically for many years. In the summertime, I grow a small garden and frequent farmers’ markets because I enjoy buying from local farmers. I am happy that organics have become so popular that many of the natural food stores and even grocery stores are now selling organic fruits and vegetables year round. However, this spring, I was surprised to find these stores selling imported organic strawberries and asparagus when they were in season here! So my question is, which is better: locally grown produce that might not be organic or imported certified organic produce? A: In an ideal world, you would be able to eat locally produced, certified organic food year round. However, in many climates that simply isn’t possible. And that’s when the decision to buy imported organic sometimes overrides the idea of eating locally. So the question becomes: Is a product that is certified organic but has racked up thousands of miles reaching your table still considered a sustainable food choice? Organic food has been found to be more nutritious, in addition to being grown without polluting soil and water. Nevertheless, from a sustainability perspective, eating locally wins – no matter what the season. Food that must be transported long distances not only uses air polluting fossil fuels, but these foods also lose nutrition value on their journeys. In addition, some vitamins and antioxidants break down when exposed to air and light. Researchers at two British universities recently published results of a study that found local food (grown within a 12-mile/20-km radius) to be more “green” than organic food. They calculated a shopping basket’s hidden costs, which mount up as produce is transported over long distances. They looked at factors like ... To read the rest of this article, subscribe to Natural Life's online edition. Wendy Priesnitz is the Editor of Natural Life Magazine and a journalist with over 30 years of experience. She has also authored nine books. Visit her website. |
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