DeWeerdt, S. (2010). Local Food Is Not Necessarily Better for the Environment. In A. Francis, At Issue. The Local Food Movement. Detroit: Greenhaven Press. (Reprinted from World Watch Magazine, 2009, May-June, 22[3], 6-10) Retrieved from http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/ovic/ViewpointsDetailsPage/ViewpointsDetailsWindow?




It take more energy, and generates more emissions to grow grain, feed cows and produce milk based products and meat from the cows, than to feed grain directly to humans. The perception of raising animals on the farm, does not resonate with people. However, thinking about the delivery of groceries to the store, and then driving to the store to get them. People can easily relate to that. Therefore, it much easier to believe the problem with emissions is because of the latter. Not the feeding and growing of livestock.

This poses a couple questions. How much co2 does a cow release? How much does a cow eat? These are questions that I do not have the answer to as this time. With the local food movement information is always given about how long it takes for food to get to our table. How long does it take to prepare milk for our tables? That is another great question.

The local food movement has a positive benefits. Taking out the time to know you local farmer, help sustain the local farm, and at the same time enjoy local fruits and vegetables. Which is great, not sure if helping with emissions is one of the benefits.