Food airmiles
Learn to study the labels carefully on all foods, particularly fruit and vegetables, which are bulky to transport. Most of us are a long way removed from growing our own vegetables and assume favourite vegetables are there all year round. We need to learn when fruit and vegetables are in season and enjoy the variety and change in our diets.
Consider whether the food can be grown in the UK without using heated greenhouses? Sometimes imported products may have used less carbon in their production.
If possible, choose British or European produced food and wines. Even then, due to the wonders of centralised distribution by large supermarket chains, we can’t be sure whether goods marked as locally produced have not travelled hundreds of miles to be washed, sorted and packaged before being returned for sale. Learn to ask questions, particularly from local farmers who will have a good idea of where their products go.
There are difficult decisions sometimes around fairtrade goods and air miles. Fairly traded tropical fruits, tea, coffee, cocoa – generally no problems unless you can live without these in your diet. With other goods (such as wines) weigh up the issues and come to your own decision!
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Useful links
Guardian Unlimited Issues around food mile labelling
Guardian Are air miles and organic compatible