The worlds population in rapidly growing, which means we need even more food. Companies now fly food thousands of miles, all across the globe every day so almost everyone has easy access to fresh foods. While this may sound helpful, ultimately , it is more damaging than helpful. In 2005 about 250,000 tons of global warming gasses were released into the atmosphere and that same year 2400 - 2800 people were hospitalized due to the direct or indirect effects of diesel soot in the air. This pollution is due to all the fuel being used to transport these foods. Airplanes and Trucks use the most, but ships have also done some damage. Studies have also shown a rapid rise in asthma and other respiratory diseases due to this pollution, and it has increased the number of sick days at schools across the world. Overall, the international transportation of food across the globe has negative effects on both the environment and our health.
Though we purchase our food at the local grocery store, where did the food really originate? As it turns out, food is transported from all over the world. The transportation of food has already taken quite a toll on the environment, adding to the damage of global warming. Also, the amount of diesel soot released by airplanes has increased rapidly and Carbon Dioxide levels have also become dangerously high. In addition to environmental damage, this mass food distribution also has damaged local economies. The food shipped in cheaply from major, industrial companies, whose prices and year round fresh food local farmers can't compete with. This has resulted in the substantial drop in local, family owned farms, consequently, this has caused the recent trend of farms becoming more industrialized by giant companies. This trend has progressed along with our urban society, which has also taken manufacturing and industrialized it. The international transportation of food has proven to have negative effects on the environment and our current society.
While we may not be able to control what foods are transported from where, there are things you can do to help counter their harsh effects on the environment. For example, you can purchase locally grown food. Studies have found that the levels of carbon dioxide released by all locally produced foods was less than any single imported product. Also, when you buy local food it benefits the local economy, keeping money in the community. Also, it does not take nearly as much transportation to get this produce, which positively benefits the environment. Many people also consider this food healthier and fresher, creating an overall better product. Unfortunately, all foods cannot be grown and harvested year round. If companies used more ships, rather than planes and trucks to transport food around the world, it would use significantly less energy, and consequently, do less environmental damage. In conclusion, supporting and purchasing locally grown food can help both your health, the local economy, and the environment.
Though we purchase our food at the local grocery store, where did the food really originate? As it turns out, food is transported from all over the world. The transportation of food has already taken quite a toll on the environment, adding to the damage of global warming. Also, the amount of diesel soot released by airplanes has increased rapidly and Carbon Dioxide levels have also become dangerously high. In addition to environmental damage, this mass food distribution also has damaged local economies. The food shipped in cheaply from major, industrial companies, whose prices and year round fresh food local farmers can't compete with. This has resulted in the substantial drop in local, family owned farms, consequently, this has caused the recent trend of farms becoming more industrialized by giant companies. This trend has progressed along with our urban society, which has also taken manufacturing and industrialized it. The international transportation of food has proven to have negative effects on the environment and our current society.
While we may not be able to control what foods are transported from where, there are things you can do to help counter their harsh effects on the environment. For example, you can purchase locally grown food. Studies have found that the levels of carbon dioxide released by all locally produced foods was less than any single imported product. Also, when you buy local food it benefits the local economy, keeping money in the community. Also, it does not take nearly as much transportation to get this produce, which positively benefits the environment. Many people also consider this food healthier and fresher, creating an overall better product. Unfortunately, all foods cannot be grown and harvested year round. If companies used more ships, rather than planes and trucks to transport food around the world, it would use significantly less energy, and consequently, do less environmental damage. In conclusion, supporting and purchasing locally grown food can help both your health, the local economy, and the environment.
