Choosing local food is one way to reduce food system energy use; but even more effective ways include:

1.    Choosing whole foods over processed foods;

2.    Getting a small, energy-efficient refrigerator and getting rid of extra refrigerators;

3.    Replacing animal products with grain and vegetable-based proteins;

4.    Drinking tap water instead of processed beverages;

5.    Choosing food that was grown in a region well-suited to the crop, using methods that build soil and rely primarily on sunshine for energy and rainfall for water.

By combining tactics we can eat well using much less energy than we currently do. An understanding of the food system helps put our various food choices in context. Following a single, hard-and-fast rule—even a seemingly-obvious one like “always eat local food”—can lead us astray.

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