How to reduce your food miles :: from Do Something's FoodWise web site

How to reduce your food miles

Given the environmental impact of importing an orange from California, what can we do to reduce our food miles? The Sydney Food Fairness Alliance have these top tips on how we can curb our carbon footprint.

The SFFA was formed in 2005 to coordinate the efforts of rural producers, health professionals, community workers and community-based advocates active in developing a socially, economically and environmentally sustainable food system in the Sydney region.

How to reduce your food miles

How, in practice, do we support, purchase, and eat local food?

ƒƒ Read the labels and ask questions. Buy potatoes, sprouts, carrots, cabbage, strawberries, apples, pears and the vegetables and fruit that thrive in our own region, the Sydney Basin.

ƒƒ Find local greengrocers, butchers, delicatessens and fish shops - these are likely to be locally- owned businesses selling products produced within the region. Again - read the labels or ask where produce has come from.

ƒƒ Avoid air freight, especially. Tell your shopkeepers and the government that you want food with 'country of origin' clearly identified on the label.

ƒƒ Eat whatever is in season - that is when it is at its freshest and tastiest - and also at the best price. Seasonal food guide pamphlets are available from some fruit markets or www.sydneymarkets.com.au

ƒƒ Source your food from community food options: local farmers' markets, community gardens, food co-operatives, CSA (Community SupportedHow, in practice, do we support, purchase, and eat local foody, econo

Read the labels and ask questions

Buy potatoes, sprouts, carrots, cabbage, strawberries, apples, pears and the vegetables and fruit that thrive in your own region.

Find local greengrocers, butchers, delicatessens and fishmongers

These are likely to be locally-owned businesses selling products produced within the region. Again, read the labels or ask where produce has come from.

Avoid air freight

Flying food in from other countries massively increases the greenhouse impact of that food.

Eat whatever is in season

That's when food is at its freshest and tastiest and also at the best price. Seasonal food guide pamphlets are available from some fruit markets.

Source your food from community food options

Local farmers' markets, community gardens, food co-operatives, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) and box schemes.

Grow some of your own food

Most people can get access to a 1m x 3m sunny, raised planting bed in which you can deposit compost and intensively grow a surprising amount of supplementary fruit and vegetables. Even on a balcony, tomatoes and herbs do well. Growing fruit and vegetables teaches children - and their parents and teachers - attitudes of care and respect that are needed to sustain life.

Look at what you can do to support local food in your personal and professional life

Does your council/workplace/school support urban agriculture?
Does your council/workplace/school purchase regional produce?
Celebrate the produce of your region by hosting a local food dinner party.
While you are enjoying your local food shared meal, also share the stories about how easy (or difficult) it was for you to source the food that you brought along. What were some of the challenges? How did you overcome these challenges?