Should you prioritize “buy local” or “buy organic”?

In sustainable living, you will see a lot of “buy local” or “buy organic”. But with most things, you have to choose what works for you. So, which should you choose? The answer isn’t black and white. It depends on your values, lifestyle, and goals. So, let’s break it down and make an informed decision.

What Does Local Mean?

Local food refers to food that is grown close to where it’s sold. Now, close is a relative term, I know people in Detroit, MI, consider anything over 15 minutes as “far”. Whereas, in Midwest Wisconsin, many people drive over an hour each way for work every day. Ultimately, the less distance the food travels from farm to plate, the better.

Benefits of Local Food

• Freshness: Local food means less time being transported from the farm to your table, so it arrives fresher.
• Seasonal: Eating local encourages you to eat foods that are in season, which are often more nutrient-dense.
• Environmental Impact: Buying local reduces the carbon footprint that results with transporting food longer distances.
• Supports Your Local Economies: Purchasing from local farmers and producers keeps money within your community.

Potential Downsides of Focusing on Local Foods

• Local doesn’t necessarily mean organic. Local farms may still use synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or other environmentally harmful practices.
• Availability of certain foods may be limited depending on the season or region.

What Does Organic Mean?

Organic food is food that is grown without harsh chemicals like pesticides and GMOs. While these products improve the plant’s survival, they are harmful to other plants and animals. In organic farming there is a focus on promoting soil health, biodiversity and sustainability.

Benefits of Organic Food

• Fewer Chemicals: Organic foods are grown without harmful synthetic chemicals and don’t leave pesticide residues.
• Environmental Sustainability: Organic farming focuses on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity, which can be better for the planet.
• Potential Health Benefits: Some studies suggest organic foods are slightly more nutritional.
• No GMOs: Organic certification ensures that crops and livestock are GMO-free.

Potential Downsides

• Organic doesn’t mean local. Organic produce may still travel thousands of miles to reach your plate.
• Price: Organic food tends to be more expensive due to higher production costs.
• Availability may be limited depending on where you live.

Key Considerations for Choosing

When making your decision, consider:

• Your Budget: Organic food is often more expensive, so local produce may be a better choice.
• Availability: You may find that you only have access to organic or local.
• Environmental Impact: Local food has a smaller carbon footprint, but organic farming is better for soil and biodiversity.
• Health Concerns: If reducing exposure to pesticides is important to you, organic foods are a good choice.

A Balanced Approach

For most people, a combination of local and organic is ideal. Here are some tips to strike a balance between local food vs organic food:

• Prioritize the “Dirty Dozen“: Get your dirty dozen organic and everything else local.
• Ask Questions: At farmers’ markets, talk to farmers.
• Grow Your Own: If you have the space, consider growing some fruits, vegetables, or herbs.

When choosing between local and organic food, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both options have distinct benefits. The choice ultimately depends on what matters most to you and what resources you have available to you.

The good news? Simply being mindful of where your food comes from is a step in the right direction. No matter your choice, it makes a difference for your health, the environment, and the food system as a whole.

What’s your take on the local food vs. organic food debate? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!