Undergraduate /
'Eating locally' - UC #2: Accomplishment, contribution (Locavorism) [3]
Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud, and how does it relate to the person you are?
In today's increasingly fast-paced, capitalistic world, heavily reliant on technology and globalization, it is easy to forget about simple localities. In the race to achieve, certain principles have been long forgotten in exchange for rapid resource degredation and big business triumphing over local. By embracing the locavore movement, it is entirely possible to take a stand for the environment and small business, while still helping the community grow.
The concept of being a locavore was first introduced to me during my junior year of high school. It was the topic of a document-based essay assigned to my English class. A locavore was defined as one who only eats foods grown and produced locally (typically within a 250 mile radius).
"So, should I write about supporting this movement? Do I?"
Initially, the idea seemed slightly far-fetched. It seemed like an inconvenience, really, but I made the quick choice to write in favor of the eco-friendly movement. It was a timed essay, after all! But as I leafed through the documents provided, highlighting and annotating them, the notion really began to sink in. These locavores had some very legitimate points fueling their movement! By the time I completed my essay, I was actually convinced. The transition didn't happen overnight, but I took baby steps, eventually replacing my entire diet with locally raised foods. One year later, I can proudly say I have committed wholeheartedly to the locavore lifestyle.
By eating locally, one leaves a smaller carbon footprint on the environment. Simply put, when food doesn't travel as far to reach the dinner table, fewer fuel emissions are released by transport vehicles, as the food travels a much shorter distance. Buying locally also supports small business in the face of sprawling capitalism. It is taking a stand for the little guy, which I can never pass up! This took on a much deeper meaning for me, once I began going to the farmer's market each week, back to the same families each time. Farming is the livelihood of many families who I interact with weekly, that I know on a first name basis and who I consider to be my friends. It is wonderful to know that with my every purchase, I am helping these kind people, as opposed to a faceless corporation, make a living. Their smiling familiar faces are what fuel my passion. Another plus is that these awesome families are able to keep a higher margin of their own, hard earned profit, by cutting out the middle man that is the grocery store. Keeping this profit within the locality also helps stimulate our own, American economy, instead of allowing other international companies to profit from us.
As we move into the future, my passion for the locavorism will only grow, as the reasons behind it will only grow more dire. If more people would commit to being a locavore, we could slow the degradation of our only, irreplaceable natural resources in addition to the diminishing the greenhouse effect. Earth's delicate environment is in our hands, and we desperately need to take care. We, as a community can do so, all while supporting our neighbors make a living and stimulating the American economy.
Have I missed the boat on this one? Any feedback's appreciated. Thanks! be critical!
