"Farmers' Market" by Natalie Maynor is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Tips and inspiration
- The distance travelled by our food is sometimes called food miles. A great way to minimise the food miles of your groceries is to check the labels on fruit and veg and choose ones that come from a farm in the country where you live.
- Have a go at eating what’s in season. This will often mean that the produce hasn’t been imported from abroad. Plus, it will taste much better and be more nutritious!
- Food grown out of season in artificially heated greenhouses can produce emissions that are worse than importing food, so eating in season is doubly important.
- Find out what’s in season.
- Find out who your local farmers are by going to a farmers’ market. If you live in southeast England, you can also use this local food search tool.
The big picture
Global food miles were responsible for three billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions in a single year, according to estimates published in 2022.
Source: Carbon Brief
Why is this action beneficial?
Reduces emissions
Food travels to our shops on planes, ships and lorries. This generates emissions that we often don’t think about. By opting to buy food that’s grown locally, we minimise these emissions.
Support local and independent businesses
By buying direct from a market or subscribing to a local veg box, farmers will earn more money for the food they produce.
Improve your mental and physical health
Eating what’s in season is more nutritious, as it has been picked when it's ripe. Imported fruit and vegetables are picked when they’re unripe and then ripen as they’re transported.
Saves money
Seasonal food is often cheaper because you’re buying it when it’s abundant, and you’re not paying to have it transported long distances.
Learn a new skill
An ever-changing variety of seasonal food brings opportunities to try new recipes.
Advocates for others
Local farmers need our support. Buy buying food grown nearer to where you live, you’re helping to ensure that farmers’ jobs are secure and that food will be grown locally for your community in the future.
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