In a time where food is just a few taps away, we rarely stop to think about time put into it. The fruits you buy biweekly at the supermarket may have traveled thousands of miles, been sprayed with chemicals, and picked before it was ripe — all to meet the demands of a global food system designed for convenience, not sustainability.
The reality is: what we eat shapes the world we live in. Our current industrial food system accounts for up to 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions — from deforestation to transportation to food waste (IPCC, 2019). In the U.S., the average plate of food travels over 1,500 miles to reach your table (ATTRA, 2008).
But information like this is not to shame people into being better, it's to show that eating locally and seasonally is one of the most immediate and impactful ways to shrink your carbon footprint. Local farms use shorter supply chains, grow in sync with the seasons, and often rely less on fossil fuels for transport and storage. According to the Center for Urban Education about Sustainable Agriculture, local food systems can reduce emissions by up to 95% compared to industrial models (CUESA).
Eating can be more exciting when you partake in the process.Whether it’s picking out fresh produce at a local market, visiting a nearby farm, or simply learning what’s in season — the act of eating becomes richer, more intentional, and more pleasurable.
There’s joy in knowing where your food comes from, tasting the story of the soil and season. When you reconnect with the journey of your food, every bite becomes an experience — not just a habit.
When you support local growers, you’re not just reducing emissions — you’re investing in biodiversity, soil health, and your community’s resilience.
Read more
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change- https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/
ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas) Sustainable Agriculture- https://attra.ncat.org/publication/food-miles-background-and-marketing/
Foodwise: Education.Farmers Markets.Community.- https://foodwise.org/learn/how-far-does-your-food-travel-to-get-to-your-plate/