Seasonal Produce Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

While we enjoy our gardens for many reasons, one great reason is as a means to reducing our carbon footprint. What’s a carbon footprint? The carbon footprint is typically defined as the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, event, organization or product, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent. Or–how much pollution are we causing?

I don’t know about you, but I’d like to commit as little pollution as possible! And reducing the need for my food to be shipped in my truck or plane is a great beginning, not to mention homegrown fruits and vegetables taste better than most store-bought produce. In fact, my family literally complains when I steam fresh broccoli due to the very “fresh” scent it releases. Seriously?!?! I’m saving the planet, here, don’t you understand that?

What’s a poor mother to do?

Seasonal Produce Availability

Choosing to focus your menu on those foods that are in season might sound hard, but is easier than you think. Especially if you live in a temperate climate, or have access to greenhouse space. If not, you still have the option of growing many vegetables in containers. Think of it as your own little greenhouse at your fingertips.

For example, herbs and lettuce won’t grow well outside in Florida due to the extreme heat, but they will grow well indoors near a sunny window in my home. Why? Their growth is greatly influenced by temperature, something I can manipulate!

However, outdoor Florida gardens are still producing–southern peas, okra, peppers, eggplant and sweet potatoes. I don’t know about you, but those are some of my favorite things. The USDA has published a list of produce by season. With our advancing technology, many farms are offering online ordering. Take the Red Hills Online Farmer’s Market website in Tallahassee, Florida. This is a prime example of how farmers are collaborating to reach a broader market, enabling consumers to choose from fresh, seasonally available produce. If this type of system isn’t available in your area, perhaps you could bring it to the attention of your local farmers. Hint, hint.

Local Farms

Seeking out local farms is another great way to reduce your carbon footprint, particularly for those without a garden of their own. These farmers are dedicated and can produce on a commercial level, something I cannot do, despite the fact my garden is 40ft. by 75ft. A fairly large local farm in my area has an extensive greenhouse hydroponic setup that is amazing.

But local isn’t limited to produce. You can purchase locally produced honey, too!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), local farmer’s markets, green restaurants and health food stores are other good sources for securing your seasonal produce with minimum impact on the environment. For a list of farms near you, check the Local Harvest website for a complete listing. You’ll likely discover new farmer’s markets and CSA groups, too. And save your leftovers! Your compost pile will thank you.

For information on what’s seasonal in your area, check out this app, Seasonal Food Guide.