why dos buying food that is grown in your local area help prevent loss of biodiversity ??????
http://www.theecologycenter.org/resources/become-a-locavore/
Well, when you are buying locally grown food, you aren't wasting fossil fuels to have your food travel from one place to another. A good example is transfer of food by train. Some trains burn coal for fuel, releasing Greenhouse gasses, unlike buying food that is locally grown.
I hope this helps!
Bonnie -- you're right, but how do your examples affect biodiversity?
Buying food that is grown in your local area can help prevent the loss of biodiversity for several reasons:
1. Reduced transportation: When we buy local food, it typically travels a shorter distance from farm to table. This means less reliance on long-distance transportation, which often involves fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. By reducing transportation, we can help mitigate climate change and its impact on biodiversity loss.
2. Preservation of local ecosystems: Local food production supports small-scale farming and agriculture, which often prioritize sustainable practices. These practices can include organic farming, agroforestry, crop rotation, and the use of natural fertilizers. Such methods enhance soil health and prevent soil erosion, which is crucial for preserving local ecosystems. Maintaining healthy ecosystems helps support a wide range of plant and animal species, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation.
3. Diverse crop varieties: Small-scale local farmers tend to grow a wider variety of crops compared to large-scale industrial farming. This diversity is important for biodiversity as it supports a wider range of plant species. In contrast, industrial agriculture often focuses on monoculture, where large areas are devoted to a single crop, thus reducing biodiversity. Supporting local farmers helps preserve traditional varieties and encourages the cultivation of heirloom and indigenous plants, which enhances biodiversity.
Now, to understand these reasons on your own, you can gather more information from reliable sources such as scientific research articles, books, or documentaries. Look for studies on the environmental impact of long-distance food transportation, the benefits of sustainable farming practices, and the importance of crop diversity. Additionally, you can explore local farmers' markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs to directly connect with local farmers and learn about their practices.