Shopping local is something that used to be the only option. Before global shipping of produce became commonplace, people would shop at their local markets, accessing local ingredients for their kitchens on a regular basis.
However, in 2021, most of us don’t shop this way. For one reason or another, it is easier to shop in the supermarket or online, rather than visit your local farmers’ market or small business to buy your produce.
Well, it’s time to bring local shopping back into the mainstream in 2021! In this post we will explore why shopping locally is the new black in 2021, and how it can impact your life, your community and our planet in positive ways.
1. Shopping locally means transport emissions.
No matter who you are or where you live, it is likely you are aware of, and concerned about, the climate crisis we are facing.
Shipping food around the world on a mass scale has some devastating effects on the world’s pollution levels, both in the air and in the oceans. When beautifully packaged foods arrive at your doorstep, it is easy to forget the long journey they have taken to arrive on your plate.
By shopping at a local market for your produce, you will be reducing your contribution to the world’s pollution levels in a drastic way. Local food might have only travelled tens, or hundreds, of miles – versus the many thousands of miles that mass-produced foods travel.
2. The produce will be fresher and more delicious.
Shopping locally isn’t all about the wider impact – you’d better believe that the food on your plate will taste incredible. Once you start shopping locally, you won’t be able to go back to the food you ate before – it will taste bland, and pale in comparison to the fresh ingredients that local shopping can bring.
Food that is grown nearby and picked fresh, without preservatives or nasty pesticides, is richer, better for your body and overall much tastier than mass produced foods. Your fruit, vegetables, grains and animal products will all taste much more flavourful and full; if you don’t believe it, try it for yourself!
3. You can help members of your local community and their businesses.
Perhaps the most important part of shopping locally is helping the local community. Small business owners in your area will be working tirelessly to produce unique, beautiful, carefully created foods and other goods for your community. By shopping locally rather than from a large chain, you are actively contributing in a positive way towards the lives of your fellow citizens.
Plus, it’s awesome to shop locally, because you can have conversations with local experts about their produce! Companies such as Local Hive Honey can tell you the process behind the growing or obtaining of their goods, and can assure you of the ethical standards that are applied.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to forget how hard people work to produce our food, and how much the planet can be affected by our choices. By choosing to shop locally, you’re making a positive impact on the world, as well as on your own health too!