Gardening, Buying Local Groceries, Buying Locally Manufactured Goods.
Americans have become accustomed to having fruits and vegetables all year long even though they would be out of season if provided locally. Grapes come for Chile, apples from New Zealand, tomatoes from Mexico, other vegetables from distant farms within the United States. There are a number of problems with this practice. Nonrenewable fossil fuels that contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are used to fly goods from half way around the world. Fungi, pathogenic micro organisms, high levels of pesticide residue, plant pests, and viruses can be unwittingly imported. In some cases domestic plants and animals have no resistance these organisms.
Economically, it makes sense to buy food that is grown locally and goods that are manufactured locally. Local farmers, manufacturers, suppliers and laborers are supported. They in turn have greater resources to support local businesses and service providers.
See a list of fruits and vegetables containing the most pesticides. It is recommended to buy organic locally grown produce if it is on the list.
Go to the Environmental Working Group web site at http://www.foodnews.org/EWG-shoppers-guide-download-final.pdf
SHOPPER’S GUIDE TO PESTICIDES
DIRTY DOZEN CLEAN 15
Buy These Organic
WORST BEST
1 Peach 1 Onion
2 Apple 2 Avocado
3 Bell Pepper 3 Sweet Corn
4 Celery 4 Pineapple
5 Nectarine 5 Mango
6 Strawberries 6 Asparagus
7 Cherries 7 Sweet Peas
8 Kale 8 Kiwi
9 Lettuce 9 Cabbage
10 Grapes (Imported) 10 Eggplant
11 Carrot 11 Papaya
12 Pear 12 Watermelon
13 Broccoli
14 Tomato
15 Sweet Potato
www.foodnews.org
For a web site that monitors legislation on food and water issues see Food and Water Watch’s site. http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org