Here in the U.S. our food travels an average of 1,500 miles and uses 4-17 times more fuel and emits 5-17 times more CO2 than local and regional food systems (Rich Pirog, 2001).
How is THAT for appetizing?
On the other hand, food picked ripe and delivered within 48 hours is not only tastier and better for the environment but packs a larger nutritional punch than the same food picked green and transported and cold-stored for weeks. Buying local means you are supporting cleaner air, a stronger local economy and you know what's in your food.
And if that isn't enough, going local makes economic sense. Local farmers markets have shot up everywhere, up 25% from just 2 years ago and up 17% from last year (USDA). If the growth of local farmers markets is any indication, demand for local products is on a steady rise.