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.
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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. Buying local produce helps reduce the environmental impact of shipping produce long distances, which causes air pollution. It also supports local farmers and can be fresher and tastier than produce that has been transported long distances.
2. I buy strawberries and tomatoes most often, but I am not sure if they are local or not.
3.
| Type of Produce | Season |
|-----------------|---------|
| Strawberries | Spring |
| Tomatoes | Summer |
| Apples | Fall |
| Lettuce | Spring/Summer |
| Squash | Summer/Fall |
1. I already knew that strawberries and tomatoes were in season during certain times of the year, but I learned more about when apples, lettuce, and squash are in season in my area.
2. I noticed that strawberries and tomatoes are currently in season, but they are more expensive during the winter months. I will try to buy them more often during the spring and summer when they are more affordable and fresher.
3. Based on what I learned, I will try to buy more seasonal and locally grown produce to support local farmers and reduce my environmental impact.