Consuming local vs. global food
• Local food supporters are not necessarily anti-globalization. Different industries need different standards. For example, if Malaysia makes better computers for a lower cost than Colorado, consumers should buy Malaysian computers. Computers can be shipped across the globe in bulk by the cheapest, most convenient method possible. Malaysian fruit, on the other hand, must be packaged carefully to prevent bruising and spoilage, refrigerated and transported by air. Each of these steps incurs additional energy costs not borne by the computer distributor.
• We purchase more food by volume than computers or any other consumer product, so the food industry’s transport system has a mammoth energy “footprint.”
• A complex food subsidy system and federally subsidized transportation mean the true costs of food are not reflected at the supermarket.
• Local food tastes better. Though flavor is a subjective measure, I believe produce picked at peak ripeness and driven to the farmers market the following day tastes better than produce picked early and sold many days later.
Carroll argues shoppers should get all kinds of food from all corners of the globe simply because they can. I believe consumers should buy the freshest food with the lowest environmental impact, and at a cost that actually reflects the energy inputs.
This letter has not been edited.
Why do you hate America?
Posted by Hanks? on September 14, 2007 05:51 PMWhy do you hate pineapples?
Posted by on September 14, 2007 08:19 PMNow these PC creeps now want to tell us what kind of produce we eat!! Bad enough they dont want us eating meat. Pleeeeeeezz!!!
Posted by tj on September 14, 2007 09:01 PMGloabl warming - organic food - locally drown food - locally grown organic food - the sky is falling - BAAA - sheep
Posted by on September 14, 2007 09:41 PMtj, anonymous and hanks: you are really doing a great job giving people the idea that being close-minded... no matter what the subject, is, thankfully, limited to a certain 'group'. I think we all know to which group i refer.
Posted by Sheila on September 14, 2007 11:09 PMYes, Shiela they are just as close minded as a certain other group you don't refer to is arrogant and condescending in their views no matter what the subject is. Works both ways lady even in your partisan mind you must see this - oh wait! you subscribe to the later.
Posted by Jack Bauer on September 15, 2007 09:14 AMHmmm Let's think about what kind of food is produced within 150 miles of Denver....
Looks like we'll be eating nothing but beef, wheat and sugar beets from here on out.
Delta and Rocky Ford are both farther away than 150 miles so no more peaches or cantaloupe.
No one in Colorado will ever eat another orange.
The eat only local concept does not take into account that not everyplace is a breadbasket.
As hard working as Colorado's farmers and ranchers are I do not believe it is agriculturally possible for Colorado to raise enough food to feed five million people a healthy balanced diet.
Posted by Colorado Dave on September 15, 2007 09:25 AMHey Jack! So... it begs the question: to which group do you think I belong and which group do you recognize as being close-minded, as referenced... rather vaguely, in my post?
:-)
KISSES!!!