In today’s society, convenience is a top priority for many people. With major business chains like Wal-Mart around, why shop anywhere else for food or other goods? However, what about the effect that these major chains have on the environment, constantly transporting their goods from one location to another as their trucks expel carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Is this convenience really worth such a cost?
How about the food being transported? When not grown locally, the food must be readied, loaded onto the trucks and shipped to their pre-planned location to be sold. Therefore, customers will never truly get that fresh appeal, but they might get some added petrochemicals.
Petrochemicals often end up in our food through various ways. According to “Reduce your exposure to cancer-causing petrochemicals” by Randall Neustaedter on Naturalnews.com, petrochemicals can make their way into our food by way of pesticides, as well as through artificial colors and flavoring. Also, as Neustaedter’s article states in its title, petrochemicals can cause cancer, as well as contribute to hormone imbalances.
What happened to food being a source of nourishment? Why must it be harmful to us now?
Despite how many chains transport unhealthy food to its stores day to day, there are still some sources for healthy, organic foods. While it’s true Wal-Mart and other stores offer organic alternatives to their main selections, you can also purchase such produce and other goods at local farmers’ markets.
Many farmers’ markets offer a selection of fruits, vegetables, eggs and other goods at various times throughout the month, some being as frequent as weekly. With these markets offering locally grown food that requires little if any transportation, you are not only getting a healthier choice of foods, but also strengthening your community by buying from a nearby farmer.
To find a list of farmers’ markets near you, visit localharvest.org. There, you can do a search for farmers’ markets in your area.
So the next time you’re wanting some tasty food, but you don’t want all the added petrochemicals that often come with it, consider stopping by a farmers’ market near you. After all, it’s not too late to think green.
Leave a Reply