{Looking for the rules?}
There are loads of reasons to try eating locally.
Environmental:
"If every U.S. citizen ate just one meal a week (any meal) composed of locally and organically raised meats and produce, we would reduce our country’s oil consumption by over 1.1 million barrels of oil every week. That’s not gallons, but barrels."
- Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver (2007) p. 5
*"local" doesn't necessarily mean "organic" so while you're eggs might be from a local producer - they may also be factory farmed. If organic is important to you, pay attention
Community:
Purchasing foods grown locally helps support your community. Not only by feeding money back into your local economy, but by creating relationships among neighbors. Plus it gives you a reason to explore your home turf. You are going to be surprised at what you find and who you meet if you really get out there and explore.
Taste:
Food grown locally tastes better! It's fresher by several days if not weeks, it's seasonal to your region. So the flavors can be fuller and fresher as well.
Fun:
I personally love the farmers market season, I love the earthy smell of dirt and vegetables that fills my bag and then my home each week. I love meeting the farmers and daydreaming of how their days are spent out on the farm. I love finding new foods grown locally. And I love cooking.
What about you? Why are you thinking about eating locally?
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