Locavore Movement (Question 1)

Locavore movement consists of consuming locally grown or produced products. You can preserve the environment by following this movement. Farmer’s market has a different vibe compared to other markets. When walking around the farmers market near my town I can realize the difference of how people interact with each other. Since the area, where the farmer’s market opens, is smaller compared to commercialized markets people are able to get along and socialize during their stay at the market. The merchants can also inform the customers where the product is from and grown. This reassures the concern one may have when purchasing organic produce. Spending money locally benefits the local economy. Fresher ingredients contain more nutritious values than ingredients shipped from other countries, which can lead to less carbon emission for shipment.
            Eating locally can help develop a better community. “According to a study… a dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy,” (Source A). The local community received twice the income when products are purchased from farmer’s market.  The raise in income would greatly benefit the community. The community can use the money to improve the living standards, repair roads, or save them for future use. With sufficient amounts of income, the community can create jobs for the unemployed. The community would become prosper contributing to America’s economy.

Purchasing produce from farmer’s market help you to maintain a healthier, cleaner diet. Farmer’s market stocks fresh new produce that is picked within 24 hours. In contrast, produce purchased on the supermarket or a big-box has been in transit or cold – stored for days or weeks,” (Source A). Other countries ship their produce across the world. Therefore, they lose nutrition during the shipment process, which can arrive weeks later. “Food begins to lose nutrition as soon as it is harvested. Fruit and vegetables that travel shorter distance are … closer to maximum of nutrition,” (Source B). Consuming fresher produce is not only full of vitamins, it is also full of phytochemicals and disease-fighting substances. Locally grown produce will result in a healthier diet and immune to diseases.

Produce shipped from other countries effect our environment. “A 2006 academic study discovered that … New Zealand lamb is raised with small carbon footprints,” (Source C). Carbon would be less emitted if the produce were closer to the produce.  Most people are sluggish to prepare food at home, so they decided to eat at a restaurant. However, restaurants use more energy per meal. “Still more energy is consumed per meal in a restaurant, since restaurants throw away most of their leftovers,” (Source C). Even though going out to eat with your friends or family is a way to socialize, trying to reduce the number of times you go out can save the environment in the end.            

The benefits of purchasing locally grown produce outweigh the reason to purchase products from a supermarket. A local market contains product mostly from other countries. More farmer’s market are being established because it is becoming a trend. Why would you want to purchase produce that lacks nutrition, when you can purchase a nutritious product at your local farmer’s market.