Didn't Buy Local? Don't Worry

Sometimes you just want to eat organic. Sometimes you just want to eat local. But sometimes your food choices hinge on ingredients from far off places. What's a "be loyal, buy local" savvy shopper to do?

Look, we all know it's a good idea to eat local to support local farms, to cut down on the pollution that results from transporting food and to eat a healthier diet full of fruits and vegetables. But sometimes, we also know, you just want a lychee nut. Or a pineapple. Or some other exotic nut or fruit that isn't grown in your neck of the woods.

It's healthy to look at other perspectives of the "local" movement and realize that it's not just food we should be thinking about when it comes to buying local; from TVs to cars to clothing, many other consumer goods come from far away locales too.

But when you do stray for the occasional long-distance "foodie" indulgence, consider his reasoning and reassure yourself. Then, visit your local farm stand and purchase foods that have been raised as close to your home as possible. Seasonal, fresh produce, meat and dairy are all part of the "local equation" and readily available at farmers' markets across the countryside.

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