From savoring fruit and vegetable at the peak of freshness to meeting the people who grow your food, there are countless reasons to support your local fresh markets. Here are just a few!
Don’t miss my personal market tips at the end of the article!
1. Fresh food – Real taste
2. Enjoy the Season
As you look forward to lychee, mango, rose apple, mangosteen, you reconnect with the earth, the weather, and the turning of the year.
At your local fresh market you can find an amazing array of local produce that you don’t see in your average supermarket. It is a wonderful opportunity to discover and savor the biodiversity of our planet.
3. Save money
4. Protect the Environment
Plastic is a global issue and it can be easily combatted by choosing reusable over plastic. If you choose to buy local, most of the items being sold have limited packaging. Bring your own reusable bags show it to the vendors and politely refuse all plastic bags offered to you!
Not only does shopping or buying from your local market reduce waste from packaging, but it also reduces the use of fossil fuels. Food miles not only consume energy, but they contribute to poor air quality, and you will be served older food, which could have affects on your health.
5. Support Local Communities
Local vendors appreciate their customers so much more. Why? Not only do they get to meet you, a person who uses their products face to face, but your support helps them and their businesses survive. You help feed their families, pay their bills, and put a roof over his or her family’s head. It is a huge deal to buy locally for this reason alone.
Buying directly from farmers gives them a better return for their produce and gives them a fighting chance in today’s globalized economy.
As you can see, there are many benefits to shopping locally. It’s not only more healthy for you, but also more eco-friendly and responsible as you get to support local economy.
Explore your neighborhood, find your local market and give shopping locally a chance!
