Ask the Ecologist: Which is best - local or organic? 14th June,
2011 Green Living Editor Ruth Styles answers your eco-lifestyle
dilemmas. This week it’s the question of local versus organic
produce under the spotlight I’ve always tried to buy organic
produce but it seems a bit odd buying tomatoes from Peru when
there are varieties available here. Should I buy the organic
version anyway – even if it has come a long way – or should I
switch to conventionally grown, if it’s produced here. It’s all
a bit confusing! Alice, I totally understand how you feel and
it’s an issue that I’ve spent a lot of time trying to fathom. Of
course, buying produce that’s both local and organic is the best
choice, but unfortunately, it isn’t always available. Depending
on where you shop, local is usually a better bet, particularly
if you’re buying in a farmers’ market or in your local farm
shop. A local greengrocer is also a good bet, but make sure you
check it out first to ensure they are sourcing locally, and
where possible, stock