Sustainability and Buying/Eating Local

To me, sustainability is just one of an abundant number of reasons to buy and eat local: it allows you to generally have fresher food, it supports your local economy, and it is sustainable, and there are reasons within each of these reasons that makes eating and buying local worth it. Having fresh food is better for your health because it tends to be less chemically treated, and it also tastes better. Buying and eating local also supports your local economy by putting your money back into your city or state, allowing it to flourish. Finally, buying and eating locally is sustainable for many reasons, like its ability to cut down on the effects of transporting food across countries.

Ever since I was little, my mom has taught me to appreciate and to try to go to small businesses when possible. For us, this tended to be going to a local store, dry cleaners, or farmers’ market. I have tried to carry that here to Emory with me, and I have realized that buying local food is a way to do this that also includes other benefits to myself and my community. While it may be more expensive, I believe if you can afford this extra expense, then it will be worth it.