Green Daily

Less than five years ago, organically grown fruits and vegetables in major chain supermarkets were not widely available -- if available at all. Today, entire aisles within the produce section offer many varieties of organically grown fruits and vegetables. Organic is the best alternative to pesticide treated produce, but for the green shopper, how far food travels is as important as how it is grown. For the greenest option, the key is to look for locally grown organic produce.

According to UK's Environmental Transport Association, approximately 25 percent of all road freight by vehicle miles is due to food transport. The Worldwatch Institute estimates buying locally grown food requires up to 17 times less fuel consumption.

Although the frozen ground of winter does not lend itself to an expectation of fresh vegetables, local farmer's markets do offer seasonal winter produce grown by local farmers. To find a list of farmer's markets and family farms local to your area, and which ones are open during winter, visit the US Department of Agriculture database of farmer's markets and Local Harvest.