Eat Locally

Food transportation causes greenhouse gas emissions which lead to global climate change. Buying local produce helps conserve precious farmlands and wildlife habitats and reduces the environmental costs of food transportation.

Essential Facts

• Organic farming is better for the environment than conventional farming. Since much of the organic produce available in Canada is imported, the impacts of transportation offset some of the environmental benefits. The best option is to buy local organic fruits and vegetables; the next best choice is to buy local.
  
  
• It's estimated that the elements of a basic North American meal travel 2,400 km (1,500 miles) to get to your dinner table. This excessive transport causes heavy emissions of the gases which cause global warming.
  
  
• Local food is more likely to be fresher and better for you than food shipped long distances. The largest loss of nutrients comes from picking unripe fruit so it can withstand long transit times. Additionally, chemicals used to prevent mould and fungus growth during shipping can be harmful to your health.
  
  
• Some food imported from developing countries may have been grown using pesticides that are banned or severely restricted in North America such as DDT.
  
  
• For tips on eating locally check out the Nature Challenge newsletter: Eat Locally!
  

Download the Green Guide (PDF)
Download the Science of the Challenge. (PDF)