When it comes to fruit, most of us think about taste, price, or convenience, but there’s another factor that matters just as much: the environment. Choosing between locally grown and imported fruit can have a bigger impact than you might think, affecting everything from carbon emissions to water use and food waste.
- The Impact of Food Miles
One of the biggest differences comes from food miles, the distance fruit travels from farm to plate. Imported fruit often travels thousands of kilometres by ship or plane, which adds significantly to carbon emissions. Air transport in particular has a very high carbon footprint, while long-distance trucking also requires fuel and refrigeration.
Locally grown fruit usually travels much shorter distances, meaning less energy is used for transport and storage. Shorter travel not only reduces emissions but often means the fruit is fresher, tastier, and retains more nutrients because it spends less time in transit.
- The Power of Seasonality
Seasonality also matters. Imported fruit allows us to enjoy certain fruits year-round, but growing fruit out of season often requires energy-intensive methods, such as heated greenhouses, artificial lighting, or extra irrigation. These methods can dramatically increase the environmental cost of the fruit.
Local, in-season fruit relies on natural growing conditions, which means less energy and fewer resources are needed. Seasonal produce also tends to taste better because it’s harvested at its natural peak, and it usually has a longer shelf life since it hasn’t been picked early for shipping.
- How It’s Grown Matters
How fruit is grown also counts. Imported fruit may come from regions with higher pesticide use, intensive water consumption, or less sustainable farming practices. These methods can impact soil quality, water availability, and surrounding ecosystems.
Local farms are easier to monitor and often use organic or sustainable farming practices. Many local growers rotate crops, use natural pest control, and prioritize water conservation, which helps protect the environment and supports biodiversity. Choosing local fruit often means supporting these more responsible practices.
- Finding a Balance
This doesn’t mean imported fruit is bad. Sometimes it’s necessary to enjoy a specific fruit out of season or to access produce that doesn’t grow locally. Imported fruit can also provide variety and nutrition that isn’t available locally year-round.
The key is balance: choosing seasonal, local produce whenever possible reduces carbon emissions, saves water, and supports sustainable farming practices, without completely eliminating imported fruit from your diet. Even small changes, like buying a mix of local and seasonal options, can make a meaningful impact over time.
Eating sustainably doesn’t mean giving up the fruit you love. By prioritizing local, seasonal produce whenever possible, you reduce your environmental footprint, conserve resources, and support responsible farmers. It’s a simple change that can make a big difference, for the planet and for the future of our food system.