How can we shorten food miles, product miles?

Recent trends in shopping towards online shopping has, if anything, increased transportation pollution since food and products are shipped across continents and into massive logistics hubs before they are sent out for delivery. The link between the land and the food or product has become even more remote.

We desperately need to re-imagine the local connection between the local farm, the local business and us. In that way we can re-kindle the local community spirit too.

In many places we still have the remnants of the local market and we need to support the local markets wherever and whenever we can. Knowing where you food was grown or who made that local craft product is uplifting and empowers each local community. Especially with food, the short time between the harvest and the plate is refreshing and mouth-watering. It is possible with no cold chain (think of those thousands of refrigerated trucks on our motorways day and night). There is no need for additives and preservatives and no need of those “packaged in a protective environment” plastic bags and containers. Instead that recently-picked local freshness flavour that perhaps only our grandparents might recollect from childhood?

If you can, support your local farmers and artisans and local businesses by choosing local and supporting your local market. Whether you have a thriving local market or need to spread the word and support its regrowth, reconnecting with local suppliers is one really positive choice for helping to rebuild a sustainable future aligned with Laudato Si’.

See also our previous article on seasonal produce.

Do you have an amazing local market serving local products and local food? Is your area struggling with that local connection? Do you have an idea how to promote local food and local products in your area?