St James The Great
Old Milverton, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
Geoff's Eco Tips
Geoff’s Eco-Challenge: Adopt Seasonally Local Food
Dear All,
I hope this finds you all well and still in a relaxed mood before the ‘busyness’ of the run up to Christmas starts.
It’s the time of year when thoughts turn to different foods to nourish and comfort us as the days get shorter and colder. One of the great things about our location on the planet is that we have such distinct seasons and different foods in association with each one. Now is the time to look forward to autumn and winter seasonal goodies, some still fresh from harvest, others preserved or frozen and stored up for winter.
This month’s green resolution from ‘What is Green Living’ is focussed on the merits of enjoying seasonal and local food. It’s a practise that applies all year around, although there are always good opportunities at local markets throughout November and during the run up to Christmas.
Next month will be the final green resolution of the year, and there will be a brief recap on the whole years resolutions, hopefully some of which you have found useful and have been able to adopt for the future. In the meantime, here’s to finding find plenty of good local and seasonal goodies!
With love
Geoff
Adopt Seasonally Local Food
Eating seasonally and locally is not just healthier but also more sustainable. Locally grown foods require less transportation, which means fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Seasonal eating, on the other hand, ensures that you’re consuming produce at its peak freshness and nutritional value.
Supporting local farmers also boosts the local economy and helps preserve agricultural land.
How to Start
Visit Farmers’ Markets: These markets are excellent places to find fresh, seasonal produce while supporting local growers.
Join a CSA Program: Community Supported Agriculture programs provide regular deliveries of fresh, locally grown food. Learn What’s in Season: Familiarise yourself with seasonal produce charts to plan meals around what’s available.
Data and Impact
Research from Cambridge University shows that eating locally and seasonally can significantly reduce food-related emissions. Additionally, it fosters a deeper connection to the food you eat and the people who grow it.
Expert Quote: Hannah Ritchie, a researcher at Our World in Data, explains, “Eating seasonally supports both your health and local farmers. It’s a simple yet powerful way to contribute to sustainability.” Making mindful food choices benefits not only the planet but also your well-being.
Ali Foster © 2013