Keep it local
Keep It Local: Top Ten Tips
The internet invites an evermore global perspective on life, making it easy to forget just what you've got on your doorstep.
However, it's more than likely that you have everything you need for a healthy and happy life within a ten-mile radius, so why not make use of your local suppliers and support them?
1. Here's the advantage
The transportation of locally-sourced food has less environmental impact than produce from abroad and it generally comes with less packaging. If growers can sell locally, it also saves them money on shipping and storage.
2. It's not all about vegetables
Buying vintage or second-hand furniture and clothing keeps beautiful items in circulation and out of landfill sites and, because most contributions are made locally, the eco-costs of transportation are kept to a minimum.
3. The sum of the parts
Whatever you buy, keep an eye on where it was made. You'd be surprised how far products or parts of products have come.
4. Let your money do the talking
By supporting specialist shops, farmers and craftsmen in your area, you are also doing your bit to preserve the quality of life, support your community and keep small businesses afloat.
5. Down on the farm
Farmers' markets are a great way to source local and organic produce. Visit the Certified Farmers' Markets website to find the market and farm shop nearest you.
6. Tales of the cities
You don't have to be out in the sticks to get wonderful fresh produce. There are numerous city farms, community gardens, school farms and allotments. Visit the FCFCG website for details.
7. Veg in a box
Organic delivery services have opened out the possibility of fresh, seasonal, local produce for everyone. Visit the Soil Association's website for advice on how to find the best scheme for you.
8. Small is beautiful
As well as often tasting better, produce from nearby farms is likely to be better for you too, even if it's not organic. Small farms tend to be less aggressive than large factory farms when it comes to chemicals.
9. The seasonal palate
Eating local produce also means following nature's cyles and planning your meals around fruit and vegetables that are in season. For more information, about what's ripe when, visit eattheseasons.co.uk.
10. Lawns are overrated
You don't get much more local than your own garden or back yard, so why not grow your own fruit and veg? Visit the UKTV Gardens website for advice on how to do it.
The transportation of locally-sourced food has less environmental impact than produce from abroad and it generally comes with less packaging. If growers can sell locally, it also saves them money on shipping and storage.
2. It's not all about vegetables
Buying vintage or second-hand furniture and clothing keeps beautiful items in circulation and out of landfill sites and, because most contributions are made locally, the eco-costs of transportation are kept to a minimum.
3. The sum of the parts
Whatever you buy, keep an eye on where it was made. You'd be surprised how far products or parts of products have come.
4. Let your money do the talking
By supporting specialist shops, farmers and craftsmen in your area, you are also doing your bit to preserve the quality of life, support your community and keep small businesses afloat.
5. Down on the farm
Farmers' markets are a great way to source local and organic produce. Visit the Certified Farmers' Markets website to find the market and farm shop nearest you.
6. Tales of the cities
You don't have to be out in the sticks to get wonderful fresh produce. There are numerous city farms, community gardens, school farms and allotments. Visit the FCFCG website for details.
7. Veg in a box
Organic delivery services have opened out the possibility of fresh, seasonal, local produce for everyone. Visit the Soil Association's website for advice on how to find the best scheme for you.
8. Small is beautiful
As well as often tasting better, produce from nearby farms is likely to be better for you too, even if it's not organic. Small farms tend to be less aggressive than large factory farms when it comes to chemicals.
9. The seasonal palate
Eating local produce also means following nature's cyles and planning your meals around fruit and vegetables that are in season. For more information, about what's ripe when, visit eattheseasons.co.uk.
10. Lawns are overrated
You don't get much more local than your own garden or back yard, so why not grow your own fruit and veg? Visit the UKTV Gardens website for advice on how to do it.
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