City Style and Living - Spring 2008 - (Page 23)

ocavores believe that the current system of frequent-flier food is divorced from the natural rhythms and cycles of nature. More significantly, it requires an enormous amount of energy and resources. A study conducted in 2000 at the University of Michigan, estimated that in the United States, ten per cent of all of the energy used in that country is attributed to the food industry. Locavores believe that eating locally can be a tool to curb climate change – limiting the fossil fuels burned when transporting food over large distances. There are also environmental reasons. Locavores believe that eating locally preserves biodiversity and that “local food has a degree of trace ability to it – a desirable feature in a world wrought with food insecurities such as food recalls and terrorism, a tainted food supply,” says Zapisocky. locally sourced ingredients. The term has even become mainstream- heralded as the ‘word of the year’ by Oxford English dictionary. “Locavores exist on a continuum; some die-hard locavores will only eat food products that are locally (within 100 miles) grown, raised or produced. Others will simply try to choose a local option when available,” says Melisa Zapisocky, Leadership Training Program Coordinator for the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association. L The transition to locavore entails, for many, a change in lifestyle. “Locavores need to consider eating what’s in season, preserving fruits and vegetables and omitting certain products such as chocolate and coffee if you live in North America that is,” says Zapisocky. Such resolute commitment and cost concerns remain obstacles for some consumers. Though mindful purchasing is on the rise, it is perceived as targeting consumers who have the pocket book for these products. “Globally, North Americans spend one of the lowest percentages of our income on food products per year. Price and convenience will often trump consumers’ decisions,” says Zapisocky. locavores believe that the current system of frequent-flier food is divorced from the natural rhythms and cycles of nature. Still, demand for locally grown food is on the rise. In 2007, a cross-Canada study conducted by Leger Marketing for the Montreal-based organization Equiterre, 85 per cent of respondents said that buying locally is important to them, and 77 per cent opposite page, clockwise from le : a farmhouse in the prairies, freshly picked local eld strawberries, the produce at a farmers market in Alberta is colourful and abundant. is page, clockwise from le : u-pick elds of strawberries draw consumers to farmers elds each year, a cauli ower’s raw beauty, anti-oxidant rich local berries are plentiful. Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association (AFFPA) citystyleandliving.com | SPRING 2008 | 23 http://citystyleandliving.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of City Style and Living - Spring 2008

City Style and Living - Spring 2008 Contents Editor's Note Behind the Cover The District Need It Want It Fusion Sweet Secret Restaurant Inspiration Eat Like a Locavore Covet Helen of Troy Prêt-à-Porter Anatomy Of Spring Fashion Trends Secret Garden Passport Bookcase Great Eats in Maui Tunisia Ombudsperson Horoscopes Final Thought

City Style and Living - Spring 2008

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