It takes 1,500 miles for food to travel from the field to your plate. This has tremendous impacts on the environment and your health, considering the carbon that is emitted into the atmosphere and the fuel that is consumed, not to mention the chemicals and preservatives that were used to ensure the food arrives fresh to your plate. Avoid the added environmental and health effects (as well as the added costs) by purchasing locally-grown foods at farmers' markets. Check out Local Harvest if you live in the United States.
