Eating Sustainably, Eating Locally

Food and Energy (consumption)
Do you ever wonder where your food comes from? Those yummy treats you enjoy on a daily basis cost the environment in more ways than one. Not only is there concern about environmental depletion, but fossil fuels are eaten up during conventional farming, food manufacturing and transportation.

A 2002 study by John Hopkins School of Public Health estimated that three calories of energy are needed to create one calorie of edible food. Some foods use far more energy, for example grain-fed beef, which requires 35 calories for every calorie of beef produced. And the Johns Hopkins study did not include transportation costs – with transportation expenditures included, an average of seven to 10 calories of input are required for one calorie of edible food.

However, energy expenditure is not the main concern with food consumption. As much as 40 percent of the energy used in the food system goes toward the production of harmful pesticides. As you may know, fertilizers are synthesized from nitrogen and natural gas, a process that requires approximately 5.5 gallons of fossil fuels per acre.

Approximately 23 percent of energy used in food production goes toward processing and packaging food.

Fun (and disheartening) fact: On average, the food you consume travels an estimated 1,500 miles before it enters your kitchen.

How can I help?

We are lucky enough to have many local farmers and food producers in the Athens area. Almost any meat, vegetable, fruit, jelly/jam, salsa, etc. can be purchased from local producers. You may not know where to buy those items, which is why I will direct you to the Athens Farmers Market. The market is open Saturdays year-round and Wednesdays from April through December. The Athens Farmers Market also has a blog where you can find cooking tips and upcoming events. Want to find local producers in areas outside of Athens? Check out Local Harvest to learn where you can purchase locally grown produce anywhere you go!

Where can I eat sustainably?
There are many restaurants in and around Athens that serve locally grown produce. Some such restaurants include Casa Nueva, Jackie O's Pub & Brewery, Della Zona, Village Bakery, Donkey Coffee, Avalanche Pizza and many more. The photo above shows John Gutekanst, owner of Avalanche Pizza, selling his freshly baked breads at the Athens Farmers Market.

So, next time you go to buy a package of Honeysuckle sausage at Wal-Mart, consider purchasing your meat from the Athens Farmers Market. Try a new restaurant; eat locally!