The Benefits Of Farmers Markets And Shopping Locally

In this modern age, shoppers are becoming more aware of the products they are purchasing and what impact these products have on the environment. This can be especially said for food products, with huge amounts of food waste contributing to landfill sites each year. This wastes not only ingredients but also the energy and packaging that went into making these products.

With the environment in mind, many people have started making a habit of shopping locally at small businesses and farmers markets. So, why is this practice more sustainable than the alternatives and what benefits does it include? Read on for more information and start changing your own shopping practices today!

‍

A Trustworthy Source

‍Shopping locally gives buyers the opportunity to know the person they are buying from. This allows people the chance to ask where the ingredients have been sourced from, with most sellers being willing to discuss the local goods’ origins.

The traceability of ingredients within the food on offer at farmers markets is usually a lot clearer than that at bigger wholesaler shops. Whilst this creates a trustworthy source, it also may trigger the seller to give you a free sample of food before you buy any, giving an extra little perk to the market atmosphere.

‍

Supporting Producers

Buying locally means that local producers and farmers are able to get a fair price for their products. This is since local producers sell directly to customers rather than wholesalers. So, by purchasing goods from local producers, you are helping support the small businesses that depend on sales for their livelihoods the most.

‍

Savings
If you buy locally, considerable amounts of money can be saved on factors such as transportation and handling. You may be able to walk on foot to the farmers market, reducing the carbon footprint you’d otherwise increase by driving or by getting alternative modes of transport.

Additionally, the distance it takes for the food to be transported to the market is also small due to everything being sourced locally. If this wasn't enough, there are no energy costs for power, land, and buildings for farmers markets, having a positive impact on the environment.

‍

Buying Locally
Buying locally allows you to support the local economy. The money put into the local economy will be put back into the local economy via producers and traders, allowing towns to thrive through higher standards of living.

No Artificial Preservatives Included

‍Local goods don’t require artificial preservatives since they don’t need to last as long as goods placed in shops. With no prolonged shelf life needed, you can be sure that farmers markets’ goods are a more natural choice. After all, the whole impact of these types of chemicals is not yet known.

‍

Community Spirit

‍Aside from the obvious environmental benefits, shopping locally at farmers markets is an easy way to gain a sense of community spirit and get to talk to the locals. Whether you enjoy talking to the food producers, friends, or neighbours, you can benefit from the sense of togetherness that farmers markets spark in local societies.

‍

The Choice On Offer

‍There are so many farmers markets out there with year-round production of a variety of products. Goods like fresh fruits are available all year round, being renewable and regularly produced, with different types cropping up in different seasons.

If you love strawberries, then going to farmers markets in summer will be ideal for you. Furthermore, goods like apples, pumpkins, and raspberries can be found in autumn, whilst you can expect vegetables like leeks to be present in winter. With such a variety of food on offer throughout the entire year, there’s something for everyone to benefit from at farmers markets.

‍

Fresher Goods‍

Because goods spend less time in transit, they enter customer hands faster, meaning they are fresher. Arguably, this means that the food on offer will taste better, with fresher ingredients usually having more flavour.

‍

What Can You Take Away From This Article?

From the vast multitude of benefits seen above, there are obviously several reasons why you should be switching from your regular wholesaler shops to the local shops and farmers markets.

Small local producers can benefit from selling their goods as customers love to get involved with how shopping locally can positively benefit the environment. With farmers markets being active players in displaying environmental awareness, contributing to them through buying or selling can get us one step closer to helping reduce our overall carbon footprint.