Today is Blog Action Day so I plan on providing some of the small things that contribute to reducing my impact on the environment.

I try to do as much of my fresh food shopping as I can at my local farmer’s market. These are held at the Powerhouse in New Farm on the second and fourth Saturday of each month.

The reasons I do all my fresh food shopping at the local farmers markets are:

• The supply chain is shortened. If food travels a shorter distance, less carbon dioxide is created during its transportation.
• The food I buy does not use fancy plastic packaging (I use green bags), nor does it require long term retail refrigeration.
• The food I buy is so fresh that it lasts a full two weeks in my fridge. This means less food is wasted.
• Because the food lasts two weeks, I only need to do my shopping once every two weeks. This means I travel less frequently to the shops.
• Most of the market vendors I shop at do not have plastic bags so this encourages people to use environmental bags.
• The food tastes more intense and is better for my body.

Take the example of garlic:

Exhibit A

• Grown in bulk in China.
• Unknown growing conditions.
• Has traveled 8000+ kilometers before it hits your belly.
• No idea how long it has been in transportation.
• White in colour, artificial tasting.
• Costs $0.99

Exhibit B

• Locally grown in Australia by an Australian farmer.
• Organically grown, no chemicals.
• Has traveled less than 100 kilometers for you to eat it.
• Beautiful purple in colour, fresh and flavoursome.
• Costs $3

You decide.