Do your bit by buying from local shops (From Gazette & Herald)

Do your bit by buying from local shops

Buy your fruit and vegetables from your local grocer or market.

Purchasing locally-produced food is a very practical way to make a positive contribution to our environment, health and the local economy.

Today, the food you buy comes from anywhere in the world. Most of your food and drink probably travels thousands of miles before you get it. The associated transport is responsible for significant carbon dioxide emissions. This is a greenhouse gas, which contributes to global warming.

Additionally, the produce is often treated with preservative chemicals in order to survive the journey.

By supporting local producers both of these issues are avoided and, furthermore, the rural economy is stimulated.

For example, if the people of the borough spent just 36p a week on local food, this would generate £40,000 for the local economy. That would be an extra £2m each year, circulating in our economy and benefiting local businesses and the community.

Daniel O'Connor is Scarborough Borough Council's Local Agenda 21 officer.

Updated: 12:32 Wednesday, November 05, 2003