Protect the Environment: Be a "Locavore"

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Why you should shop local and how to shop sustainably in Nottingham        

Written by Astrid Delorme                      

Source: https://www.facebook.com/NottinghamFoodAssembly/
Biodiversity, or the variety of the life on our planet, is an intrinsic part of both our economy and our welfare. However, with rising global temperatures and human populations adding alarming pressure on our valuable natural resources, one of the main environmental challenges which modern society faces is assuredly a loss of biodiversity. In Europe alone, animal species are increasingly coming face-to-face with the very real risk of extinction as the consequences of climate change provide an increasing set of risks to vulnerable ecosystems, such as Moorland in the UK. 

One of the main drivers of biodiversity loss is the conversion of natural or semi-natural land for agricultural purposes, which frequently introduces invasive alien species or chemicals which prove harmful to that specific environment. This issue is regularly amplified by the increasing intensification of mono-crops, whereby farmers will plant the same crops onto the same plots of land year on year. This rejection of crop diversity not only harms the long-term health and fertility of soil, but mono-crops such as wheat and soy beans have the tendency to be heavily dependent on diversity-affecting fertilizers and pesticides. Even on an economic level, such practices clearly favour larger agricultural businesses with better access to bulk chemicals over more autonomous small-scale farmers.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/NottinghamFoodAssembly/
Antithetically, whilst unsustainable agricultural activities do have detrimental effects on biodiversity, the opportunity to combat the current loss in biodiversity equally remains in the hands of the agricultural sector. Small-scale farms, managed sustainably with plot rotation and a diverse range of crops, are often the areas which evidence the most biodiversity and the healthiest environment.

However, the responsibility for promoting the cause of biodiversity doesn’t lie with agricultural produces alone; it’s conservation depends critically on how we, the consumer, understand, value and ultimately manage it. We have choice every day, in fact three times per day, to support the aforementioned sustainable agriculture which protects and promotes faunal and floral diversity. However, how do we know if our food is produced sustainably? Indeed, often the groceries we purchase from supermarkets lack traceability and the method of their cultivation can be rarely stated.

Source: https://www.facebook.com/NottinghamFoodAssembly/
Farmer’s markets, on the other hand, provide a direct link between the farmer and the consumer. Farmer’s markets can promote sustainable agriculture by offering locally and regionally grown food, supporting small farms staying in business, and in doing so ensuring sustainable land-use and management. Doing your weekly food shop at a farmer’s market not only minimises your ecological footprint but also your carbon footprint. Although this is a great way of supporting small farmers and getting great produce, there might be things we would want that the farmers market doesn’t supply or when the market is not open. Organic food shops can offer a wider range of products and at more convenient opening hours. Labels such as the Soil Association and Fairtrade ensure that certain standards in production have been followed with a clear traceability and transparency of the product source.

Switching to a sustainable, local and organic diet might seem overwhelming, however there are many options in Nottingham that can help you to make a change and preserve biodiversity, some of these are listed here:
-      Food Assembly is a click&collect online shop where you’ll find a range of products such as wine, organic meat, dairy products, freshly baked bread, free-range eggs, raw honey and fresh vegetables from local producers. Order by Tuesday evening (midnight) and pick up your order from the producers at the Primary (33 Seely Rd, Nottingham NG7 1NU). You can access the platform through their app or through their website. https://thefoodassembly.com/en/assemblies/7809.
-      Out of this world is a shop in Beeston (but also do delivery) that specialises in organic, fair trade, eco friendly, local and special diets. They offer a wide range of food as well as sustainable household cleaning products and cosmetics. http://www.ootw.co.uk/
-      Hallam’s is a family run, fishmongers, wholesale and retail fruit and vegetable merchants in Beeston (but also do delivery). They sell locally sourced vegetables and, British fruit as well as milk, eggs and cream. They also try and stock fish from sustainable sources. http://fredhallam.com/
-      Victoria centre market is Nottingham’s largest indoor market, selling British fish, meat and vegetables. It is run by the Nottingham city’s council Market team which also organises a number of markets throughout the year with local and British produce, you can see when they are happening here: https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/6003
-      Beeston Market is a monthly farmers’ market in Beeston (every third Saturday of the month) where you will find local produce such as dairy products, organic meat, jams, artisan bread, free range eggs, honey, handmade fudge, specialty teas, spices and delicious baked goods. http://www.letsgotobeeston.co.uk/markets-and-fairs-in-beeston/
-      Sneinton Market is open every Monday and Saturday with fresh fruit and vegetables, and every 1st Saturday of the month they have a vegan market with vegan food and products. http://www.sneintonmarket.co.uk/

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