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? When is it in season?
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2.
3.
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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 reduces the environmental impact of shipping produce long distances, as it reduces air pollution. It also supports local farmers and the local economy, as well as ensures that the produce is fresher and tastier.
2. What produce do you buy most often? Do you know if it’s local?
I buy a lot of apples and bananas, but I'm not sure if they are local. I will have to check next time I go to the grocery store.
3. What type of produce grows in your state? When is it in season?
1. Apples - in season in the fall
2. Blueberries - in season in the summer
3. Corn - in season in the summer
4. Pumpkins - in season in the fall
1. What information did you already know? What new information did you learn?
I already knew that apples are in season in the fall, but I didn't realize blueberries and pumpkins were also in season at specific times of the year.
2. Are you able to find these items at your supermarket all year? Are they more expensive at certain times of the year?
I can find some of these items year-round at the supermarket, but they may be more expensive when they are out of season and have to be shipped from other places.
3. 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 the environmental impact of shipping produce long distances. Plus, local produce tends to be fresher and tastier, so it's a win-win.