1. COMMUNICATE Read the text and then discuss the questions with a partner.
Produce is grown all across the U.S., but each type of fruit and vegetable can only grow in certain climates and seasons. For example, most oranges in the U.S. are grown in Florida, where the weather is hot and humid. They are in season in winter and that’s when they reach stores. So why can we buy oranges all year long? They’re shipped to stores from other states, and even from other countries. While this may be convenient for shoppers, it’s bad for the environment. Shipping produce long distances causes air pollution. If you want to help the environment, buy local produce!
1. Why should you buy local produce? Explain.
2. What produce do you buy most often? Do you know if it’s local?
2. RESEARCH In pairs, look for information online about produce that is grown in your area. Then complete the table.
What type of produce grows in your state?
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2.
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When is it in season?
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3. COMMUNICATE Discuss the questions with your partner. 1. What information did you already know? What new information did you learn? 2. Are you able to find these items at your supermarket all year? Are they more expensive at certain times of the year? 3. Based on what you learned, will you change the way you shop for produce? Explain.
1. Why should you buy local produce? Explain.
Buying local produce helps reduce air pollution caused by long-distance shipping. It also supports local farmers and the local economy.
2. What produce do you buy most often? Do you know if it’s local?
I buy a lot of fruits and vegetables like apples, strawberries, and lettuce. I'm not sure if they are always local, so I will need to check.
3. What information did you already know? What new information did you learn?
I already knew that some produce is only in season at certain times of the year. I learned that shipping produce long distances causes air pollution.
4. Are you able to find these items at your supermarket all year? Are they more expensive at certain times of the year?
I usually can find these items at my supermarket year-round, but I will need to pay attention to prices to see if they are more expensive at certain times of the year.
5. Based on what you learned, will you change the way you shop for produce? Explain.
I will try to buy more local produce when it is in season to support local farmers and reduce air pollution. I will also pay attention to prices and try to avoid buying produce that has been shipped long distances.