Local vs. Organic?

Question

When it comes to food, which is better? Why?

Answer 1

ultimately LOCAL-ORGANIC but barring that local then organic. The reason being organic that is shipped half way around the world is as bad if not worse for the environment as local food that is raised with pesticides and growth hormones. The question becomes what are you willing to put up with? Green house emissions or altered food personaly I prefer to go with out either but life isn't perfect so I usualy try to be local first organic next then shipped non organic at a last resort.

Answer 2

I think that depends. I sell fruits and vegetables at a local farmers market and while we are not organic, we do not use any harmful spray on our produce. I think if you ask if sprays are used most will tell you the truth. If you can find an honest farmer, I think the local produce is the way to go. Most times it is better quality and lower priced than any organic items. If you go to a farmers market, always be sure to wash everything thoroughly no matter what. So, on the off chance you do come across a dishonest person, you are protected anyway. Besides, helping a local farmer is helping them more than you know. This is part or all of their income for the year. Let's face it, unless you have thousands of acres to farm, there isn't much money in it these days.

Answer 3

Versantly - hahaha!



There are pros and cons to both:



Local is good because it does not contribute much to climate change in the way that there are minimal transport costs involved, but there's the problem of possible chemical use (pesticides and fertilizers).



Most of the time, local farmers don't use chemicals, but there is no guarantee like you get with Organic food. To be registered as an Organic farmer / producer, you must satisfy the registration body (through a rather exhaustive process) that you are not using any human-made chemical inputs.



Organic is good because such products don't use chemicals, but then there's the issue of getting it to you! An organic tin of beans from the US imported to Australia, for example, has a big carbon footprint which kinda negates it's benefits....



As far as being "good for you", I guess the answer would be Organic. For the planet overall, local....



Hope this helps,



Love and Light,



Jarrah

Answer 4

you're comparing apples to oranges, here.



Local means it was grown nearby, so it didn't have to be shipped 500 miles. It may or may not be organic.



Organic means it was grown without the use of pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals. Again, it could've been grown locally or it may be shipped into your region.



If you want to buy food that doesn't 'cost' the environment, it's best to buy local, organic food.

Answer 5

Buying local supports your local economy and costs less to bring to the grocery store which means less CO2 emissions but it may be covered in pesticides and chemicals.



Organic is grown without pesticides but my have been brought in from away. They haven't polluted the soil to grow it but the emissions genereated to get it to the store may be greater than local.



Which is best? For your body, organic. For the soil (and eventualy the water), organic. For the economy, local.

Answer 6

local organic

Answer 7

Local. Better for the environment and for the local economy.

Answer 8

local organic.

Answer 9

Grow your own organic vegetables at least. Then you know what you are eating