We all want to do what we
can for the planet when it comes down to, this is no exception for the way
in which we shop. With technology evolving quicker than we can ever comprehend,
making it easier to get hold of different varieties of pears, GM crops of courgette
and organic everything. However at the same time the idea of 'buying locally'
is in the back of our minds arouses conflict economically, socially and
morally and environmentally.
Economically, because local produce is usually more expensive as the produce is grown closer to home. However the produce which is not grown locally is usually grown in developing countries. There are organisations such as Fairtrade, which is set up for farmers in developing countries to help enable them to get a fair price for the crops. If we turn to completely local produce only, what will become of the farmers in developing countries who rely on selling their crops for imports abroad? Prices will drop due to the decrease in demand; their livelihoods will diminish and will become unable to feed themselves.
Socially and morally because, if we stop buying produce from overseas, the amount of food wasted will increase. This is inhumane as 795 million people are unable to feed themselves. How can we deny farmers in developing countries their business? This will have an effect in the community as without the income from selling crops overseas, farmers will be unable to grow any crops at all due to little income, which increase the risk of famine in their communities. With farmers on an extremely limited income it may prevent children (especially girls) being able to go to school, as their families simply shall not be able to afford it. However looking at British farmers, the number of people working in the primary sector started to decrease when containerisation and pathways became more the norm.
Environmentally, crops which are grown abroad need to be exported. As carbon levels from human action continue to increase, there is more pressure being put on the earth. The climate conditions are becoming more and more sever and with our use of the earth we would need 3 planet earths to accommodate our consumption; however we only have one. However having a product labelled 'local' doesn't always mean it is the more environmentally conscious option, as transportation levels still may be high.
This is a question which is arising as a challenge as there are pros and cons, what are your thoughts on it?
Economically, because local produce is usually more expensive as the produce is grown closer to home. However the produce which is not grown locally is usually grown in developing countries. There are organisations such as Fairtrade, which is set up for farmers in developing countries to help enable them to get a fair price for the crops. If we turn to completely local produce only, what will become of the farmers in developing countries who rely on selling their crops for imports abroad? Prices will drop due to the decrease in demand; their livelihoods will diminish and will become unable to feed themselves.
Socially and morally because, if we stop buying produce from overseas, the amount of food wasted will increase. This is inhumane as 795 million people are unable to feed themselves. How can we deny farmers in developing countries their business? This will have an effect in the community as without the income from selling crops overseas, farmers will be unable to grow any crops at all due to little income, which increase the risk of famine in their communities. With farmers on an extremely limited income it may prevent children (especially girls) being able to go to school, as their families simply shall not be able to afford it. However looking at British farmers, the number of people working in the primary sector started to decrease when containerisation and pathways became more the norm.
Environmentally, crops which are grown abroad need to be exported. As carbon levels from human action continue to increase, there is more pressure being put on the earth. The climate conditions are becoming more and more sever and with our use of the earth we would need 3 planet earths to accommodate our consumption; however we only have one. However having a product labelled 'local' doesn't always mean it is the more environmentally conscious option, as transportation levels still may be high.
This is a question which is arising as a challenge as there are pros and cons, what are your thoughts on it?
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