jena(314) jena Jena Walker Log in to become a member of jena's Fan Club!
The idea of going green by eating foods grown locally is quite a concept. Most especially since most of our food product is shipped from other countries.
I believe that long distance shipping of our foods is counterproductive to our going green efforts. If we, as a country, as a people, are really serious about going green. We must make fundamental changes in our efforts to make the world a greener and healthier place in which to live. We can all assist in this effort by changing the way our foods are produced by our manufacturers and suppliers. As consumers we must change our shopping and eating habits. Many of the food products we eat today are created largely by chemical processing whereby greenhouse gases are released. Consequently these foods produce food that can be harmful. We as consumers cannot make administrative decisions about how or why our foods are processed in other parts of the world and shipped to us. That concept is attributed to the federal government and the people we elect to make decisions about where our foods are grown. However, all is not lost because we can still make better choices concerning the foods we purchase. All foods are labeled with very pertinent information that can be very helpful to our decision making process before we make a purchase. We must find out where the food comes from and determine the negatives and positives. The Food and Drug Administration is a good source for obtaining information directly about products in question. I do not believe that we need to get our food products transported thousands of miles in vehicles that emit fossil fuels that cause air pollution, acid rain and global warming. I believe that we could save in very constructive ways by getting back to the basics of producing our own products in our own country, the United States of America. When we do this we will not have to pay high import taxes and other handling costs for shipping our foods from other countries. When we produce our own food products the costs of living recede and as a result the consumer cost of foods purchased will be less expensive. It can be a win, win situation.
There is a lot to be said for eating from the fruit of our land. We can produce fresh fruits and vegetables. The best advantage of all is that we will have knowledge of how our foods are produced. I was informed by a merchant that our bottle water is imported. That does not make sense to me at all. We appear to be importing everything! Including our meat products! We need to put a stop to this craziness!
However, importing is not our only hindrance to going green. We now have what I refer to as modern day farmers who use synthetic pesticides and fertilizers that can damage the soil and pollute our water. The solution to that problem would be to consider organic farming. Organic farming is done without chemicals. This leads to healthy soil and a better ecosystem.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture now labels all food products. Therefore, when we shop instead of grabbing an item and tossing it into our grocery carts; we need to take the time to read the label. It is vital that we read all labels because even our organic foods oftentimes travel a long way before they reach our grocery shelves. We must learn to be selective in an effort to keep thinking and eating green. The very best place to shop in our effort to go green is the Farmers Market where farmers sell goods directly to the public. The food is usually very fresh, but best of all; it is locally grown and is oftentimes organic in nature. If you don't have a Farmers Market in your area; just always remember to read the labels carefully before you make a purchase. It is vital in your effort to get with the program in the 21 st century by eating…… "GREEN"
» left by Avis Ward(13,599) Avis Ward (173 days 8 hours ago.)
Jena, just last week, a gentleman in the produce section of the market I frequent most said he'd written to the USDA recommending precisely what your article suggests. An informative, well-written article with great ideas. My daddy was a farmer but stopped (commercially) when I was three. He always planted vegetables and we had fresh fruit he'd grown. I enjoy visiting the Farmer's Markets in my area. I have traveled distances just to get something specific. Thank you and take special care!
» left by Anonymous (172 days 14 hours ago.)
Thanks Avis. Oh to get back to the good old days of home grown foods. I believe we will all be healthier when we are able to eat healthy. I too frequent the Farmers Market in my area. I am so ready to"Go Green" We, USA must make a united effort. We can do this!
» left by Sandra E. Graham(2,288) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould,Ar USA (170 days 4 hours ago.)
Wonderful article, Jena. I had never given any thought about 'going green' in the form of something so simple as produce; something right under our noses and we don't give it a thought! Great job. Keep up the good work. Sandra
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
