29: Eat a 100% locally-grown meal by ihough

Every time you complete this action, you will reduce emissions by an estimated 0.6 lbs. CO₂e.

Domestically produced food travels an average of 1,500 miles between the farm and the table. Enormous amounts of fossil fuels are consumed to transport food these great distances. Food grown and raised in your own community is fresher — and often better for the environment — because it didn’t travel hundreds of miles and several days to get to you.

It’s important to remember that local food doesn’t always have a smaller carbon footprint. Growing lettuce in Vermont in January might take more energy than growing it in California and trucking it across country. Meat products in particular can have deceptive carbon footprints — a grass-fed lamb chop from far away might be better than one from the feedlot down the road. Nevertheless, when you buy locally produced food you can be sure that you’re supporting your community.

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